2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of practicality and opulence. Originally launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was intended to replace the G-Class, but the latter's popularity kept it in production. The GLS, with its three rows and plush interior, became a family-friendly alternative to the likes of the Navigator and Escalade. The 2021 model featured softened angles and lines, giving it a more refined appearance. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen dominating the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric design. Available in three trims—GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63—the GLS offered a range of standard features, including remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. Various option packages allowed for further customization, enhancing comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with its blunt nose and floating roof effect, thanks to black windshield pillars. Despite its polarizing appearance, the Highlander Hybrid was designed to stand out on the road. Offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, the Highlander Hybrid catered to a range of preferences. Our test model, the Platinum trim, came equipped with electronic all-wheel drive, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a surround-view camera system. While the interior featured upscale touches like leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel, some elements, such as the instrument-panel shroud, felt less refined. The Highlander Hybrid's cabin offered a two-tone look with soft leather, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen could be distracting. Despite these quirks, the Highlander Hybrid aimed to deliver a distinctive and efficient driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC featured a more robust twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission paired with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, generating an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse enabled the GLS 63 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 280 km/h. The GLS's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for a customizable driving experience, while its precise handling defied its size.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, prioritized fuel efficiency over performance. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total output of 243 hp. This setup was paired with an "E-CVT" that mimicked an automatic transmission. The Highlander Hybrid achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.7 L/100 km, a notable improvement over its predecessor. However, this efficiency came at the cost of driving enjoyment. The Highlander Hybrid's power was adequate for everyday driving, but the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs. The steering lacked feedback, and the ride quality suffered from excessive body movement. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, it fell short in delivering a dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in providing spacious and comfortable accommodations for its occupants. With three rows of seating, the GLS offered ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row passengers. The standard seven-passenger configuration could be adjusted to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS boasted 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a centre console with butterfly doors.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive seating for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The test vehicle featured a no-cost bench seat option, increasing seating capacity to eight. However, the Highlander's narrow design made it challenging to accommodate three adults in the second row comfortably. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. While storage was plentiful, some design choices, such as the placement of the wireless charger, hindered accessibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the advanced MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad for navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. MBUX's voice-control system allowed for complex commands, enhancing user convenience. The digital dash extended to the fully digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. While there was a learning curve, the system offered a wealth of features and customization options.

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's voice recognition system worked well, though it did not control climate settings. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak, projecting the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. New for 2021 were 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 safety systems were generally effective.