2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a sleek and modern aesthetic, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels contributing to a sporty yet sophisticated look. Despite the SUV coupe design, which can be polarizing, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to maintain a balanced and appealing appearance. Inside, the cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment added a high-tech feel, although the lack of traditional controls could initially be confusing for new users. However, with time, drivers acclimated to the vehicle's advanced technology, making the driving experience more enjoyable.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, staying true to its roots with a construction reminiscent of its pickup truck lineage. The 4Runner's exterior, with its high ride height and boxy proportions, emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the cabin reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout that felt dated. However, the 4Runner offered practical features like a power-sliding rear window and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 4Runner's interior was functional, with ample cargo space, especially in the two-row version, but it lacked the modern efficiency seen in newer SUVs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency. The GLE 53 Coupe's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Off-road, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension contributed to a smooth and controlled ride, although the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning could be less forgiving on rough surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided reliable performance but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was characterized by significant body roll and a rough ride on paved roads, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed obstacles with ease. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models offered additional off-road features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing the 4Runner's trail capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, which was modest compared to some competitors but sufficient for most needs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The front seats were highly adjustable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing comfort on long drives. The back seat offered ample legroom, and the cargo area provided 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior was luxurious, with available upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 2,540 litres of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available with the second-row seats in use. The three-row version offered slightly less cargo space, with 2,514 litres maximum. The 4Runner's interior was functional but not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs. It lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, which was convenient for quick access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. The system included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation, especially when wearing gloves. While it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, the 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics and was suitable for its rugged character.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, providing a high level of protection for occupants. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind for owners.