2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in its exterior design, offered a sense of familiarity and continuity with its predecessors. Despite its aggressive front end, the GLE's design seemed to lose momentum past the A-pillar, resulting in a silhouette that was reminiscent of older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall aesthetic fell short of the elegance seen in Mercedes' sedans and coupes. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, yet it struggled to compete visually with rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, showcasing a masterful blend of quality materials and innovative design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with features like LED-outlined grab handles and expansive digital displays enhancing the cabin's appeal. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as flimsy gear selectors, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of opulence that was hard to ignore.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, maintained a classic and mature design that had aged gracefully over its long production run. Its exterior was characterized by modestly sized grilles and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the trend of oversized features seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's substantial dimensions and ground clearance gave it a commanding presence, while its interior, though somewhat dated, was built with durability and practicality in mind. The cabin offered ample space for passengers across all three rows, with high-quality materials and tight seams ensuring a robust and long-lasting environment. Despite its age, the Sequoia's design remained functional and family-friendly, catering to those who valued reliability and comfort over cutting-edge aesthetics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe took performance to another level with an electric supercharger and a hybrid system called EQ Boost, providing up to 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The GLE's sophisticated suspension systems, including E-Active Body Control, allowed for exceptional handling and ride quality, making it feel agile despite its size. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was impressive, and its fuel efficiency, while not groundbreaking, was competitive within its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia relied on a single powertrain option: the 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine provided a smooth and stable driving experience, particularly on highways. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its substantial towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms. However, its fuel consumption ratings were less favourable, reflecting its older design and heavier build. Despite this, the Sequoia offered a pleasant driving experience, with a robust suspension system and off-road capabilities that made it suitable for adventurous families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The SUV provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all seats folded. The Coupe variant, however, was more limited in space due to its design. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved user experience. Despite some quirks, the GLE's interior was well-appointed and functional, catering to those seeking luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering generous space across all three rows. With 535 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,401 litres with seats folded, the Sequoia was ideal for families needing ample storage. The interior featured practical storage solutions and standard amenities like a power moonroof and heated seats. While the design was somewhat dated, the Sequoia's focus on functionality and durability made it a reliable choice for those prioritizing space and practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture-based controls. The system included advanced features like a Track Pace app and Seat Kinetics, enhancing the driving experience. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with options for ambient lighting, navigation overlays, and a natural voice assistant. The technology suite was extensive, offering more features than most users would likely explore, yet it was executed with precision and attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology offerings were more basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system felt outdated compared to competitors. The Sequoia did include a JBL premium audio system on higher trims and standard LED lighting, but its lack of modern powertrain technology and advanced infotainment features highlighted its age.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a range of standard and optional safety features. These included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The GLE's Pre-Safe systems offered additional protection, such as playing "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash and inflating seat bolsters during side impacts.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, while not rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also included the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Despite its lack of ratings, the Sequoia's safety features provided a solid foundation for accident prevention and occupant protection.