2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its promise, did not quite deliver in terms of exterior aesthetics. Its design seemed to falter past the A-pillar, leaving it somewhat indistinguishable from its predecessors. While the aggressive nose and sloping hood hinted at potential, the overall look was less striking compared to its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black colour scheme that was both loud and luxurious. The interior materials, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, were a delight to touch, although some controls felt flimsy. The GLE exuded a sense of luxury, but it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and cleverly designed third-row window gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The Highlander XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with its own set of features, from the base LE with standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to the luxurious Platinum trim with a panoramic moonroof and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Highlander was designed to be both practical and stylish, with a focus on comfort and technology.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV with a range of advanced suspension and engine options. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved engine efficiency, although it did not significantly enhance fuel economy. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive, and its driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. The Highlander's V6 engine provided good pickup, especially at highway speeds, and the sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim reduced body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kg, which was average for its class. Its handling was composed and well-weighted, making it a reliable choice for both city and highway driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, allowing for up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was more limited in space, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear passenger comfort. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs in the XSE trim offered easy access to the third row and added comfort for passengers. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and a centre console with plenty of storage space. The power liftgate, available on higher trims, added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture controls and customizable shortcuts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE also offered advanced features like a Track Pace app, Seat Kinetics, and a head-up display with multiple configurations. The ambient lighting and navigation system added to the vehicle's high-tech appeal, while the natural voice assistant provided a seamless user experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons for easy control. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports for added convenience. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims, enhancing the Highlander's technology offerings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. All trims featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims offered additional safety features like parking sensors and a surround-view monitor. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.