2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, with a design that was anything but boring. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a distinctive presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and taillights inspired by Lexus models, contributed to its unique look. The Highlander XSE trim added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about aesthetics than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, including tan leather seats and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was positioned between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's lineup, offering a blend of style and practicality. The AMG GLB35 version featured a more powerful drivetrain and exclusive design elements like vertical grille bars. While the GLB's boxy shape was an acquired taste, its interior was a highlight, with high-definition displays and artistic air vents. The controls required some acclimation, but the overall quality was evident. However, the road noise, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels, detracted from the traditional luxury experience. The GLB was a practical choice for urbanites needing a compact yet roomy SUV, with an optional third-row seat for children.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. While it wasn't the fastest in its class, it held its own against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly the AMG GLB35 version, emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD. The AMG GLB35 accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, the ride was firm, and the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response. The GLB250 was a more practical choice for daily driving, while the AMG GLB35 catered to driving enthusiasts seeking excitement on twisty roads.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in providing comfort and practicality for families. It featured spacious second-row seats with available captain's chairs and a third row that could accommodate adults with some compromise. The cargo space was versatile, offering 453 litres behind the third row, 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both the second and third rows down. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a comfortable and practical interior, with standard dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The optional third-row seat was suitable for children but reduced cargo space. The GLB provided 560 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,755 litres with the second row folded. While the GLB's interior was well-designed, the lack of a small tray on the dashboard was a missed opportunity for additional storage.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, offered good sound quality. However, the navigation system struggled with points of interest, making smartphone integration a valuable feature.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB boasted the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were optional in Canada, the system was intuitive, with natural voice recognition and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added SiriusXM satellite radio, and the Navigation Package provided a navigation system. The MBUX system was versatile, allowing interaction through various methods, making it accessible for users familiar with modern smartphones.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The test vehicle had standard Active Brake Assist and optional blind-spot monitoring. While the GLB offered some safety features, the absence of the Driver Assistance Package was notable, especially given its price point. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.