2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. With a design that leaned towards SUV-like styling, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern and assertive stance. The sliding side doors were re-engineered for a sculpted look, enhancing the vehicle's overall appeal. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its visual charm. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The interior was thoughtfully designed with a bridge-like centre console, ample storage, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, accommodating adults with ease.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a unique design that was an acquired taste. Its boxy shape, steep windshield angle, and short overhangs prioritized function over form. The AMG GLB35 version added style with 21-inch multi-spoke wheels, enhancing its presence. Inside, the GLB boasted a beautifully rendered cabin with high-definition displays and artistic air vents. However, the controls required acclimation, with unconventional features like a steering wheel stalk for gear selection. The quality was evident, but the road noise, especially with larger wheels, detracted from the luxury experience. Despite these quirks, the GLB's interior was a treat, offering a blend of style and technology.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive option, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. It offered four drive modes, enhancing its versatility. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models were slightly higher.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly the AMG GLB35, focused on 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 transmission and AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD. The AMG GLB35 accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, showcasing its sporty nature. However, this performance came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over comfort, with a firm ride and some throttle lag. Despite these drawbacks, it excelled on twisty roads, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, crucial for minivans. It featured a standard third-row seat that easily stored away, and the second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage, catering to family needs. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a roomy interior for a small SUV, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard features included dual-zone climate control and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The GLB provided decent storage, though it lacked a dashboard tray. The rear doors opened wide, revealing comfortable seating for two adults, with an optional third-row seat reducing cargo space. The GLB's cargo area offered 560 litres, expanding to 1,755 litres with the second-row seat folded. A power rear liftgate was standard, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered a range of audio systems, from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, providing a ceiling-mounted wide-screen display. The driver enjoyed a colour multi-information display, with higher trims offering a digital rearview mirror. Remote keyless entry and a Smart Key System were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While Bluetooth was standard, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were optional in Canada. The Premium Package added SiriusXM, and the Navigation Package included a navigation system. MBUX offered natural voice recognition and a digital assistant, enhancing usability. The system was accessible through various controls, providing a customizable experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included advanced safety features. However, it had standard Active Brake Assist and optional blind-spot monitoring. Rain-sensing wipers and an Attention Assist driver monitoring system were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.