2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, while featuring an aggressive nose and sloping hood, seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, resembling its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to mitigate its minivan-like tendencies, but the GLE struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors like the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a testament to Mercedes' craftsmanship, with a harmonious blend of quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The interior was lavish, with features like twin arching grab handles and expansive screens, although some controls felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded luxury, albeit at a price point that required significant options to truly feel opulent.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold exterior with its blunt and bulbous nose, giving it a distinctive presence on the road. The design, while initially polarizing, was expected to become more familiar over time. The Highlander's styling was characterized by its swollen haunches and cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, which, even with 20-inch alloy wheels, seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered a comfortable and upscale environment, especially with its two-tone leather upholstery and heated steering wheel. However, the interior had its quirks, such as the overhead air vents and the cramped third-row seating. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid's interior was functional, with ample storage and a generous cargo capacity, although some design choices, like the placement of the wireless smartphone charger, could have been better thought out.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of sophisticated suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 and AMG models boasted advanced air suspensions like AIRMATIC and AMG Ride Control+. These systems provided adaptive dampers and self-leveling air springs, enhancing ride comfort and handling. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered quick throttle response, although it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, added 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, improving engine efficiency and reducing vibrations. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive, and its driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and remarkable ride quality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, prioritized fuel efficiency over performance. Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with an E-CVT, delivered a combined output of 243 horsepower and a fuel consumption rating of 6.7 L/100 km. While this was an improvement over the previous V6 model, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was lacklustre. The engine sounded strained during acceleration, and the steering felt lifeless. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the ride was marred by excessive body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it struggled to maintain composure. Despite its shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. 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 less accommodating, with a sloping roofline that restricted rear passenger space. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved user experience. Despite its complexity, the GLE's interior was well-designed, offering a luxurious and comfortable environment.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, making it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. Storage was adequate, with a cargo capacity of 453 litres behind the third row and 2,387 litres with all seats folded. However, some design choices, like the placement of the wireless charger, hindered usability. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid offered a functional and practical interior.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, while the Seat Kinetics feature adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE also offered a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE a technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility. The driver information display provided detailed data, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection, while the brakes and stability control enhanced safety in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The system also featured intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance had some quirks, the Highlander's safety features were effective and comprehensive.