2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor overly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork, giving it a sophisticated yet sporty appearance. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech feel, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. The spacious interior was cleverly designed for practicality, offering ample cabin space and storage solutions. The XSE trim, with its bold red leather interior and navy blue exterior, provided a unique aesthetic. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with varying levels of comfort and technology, from the base LE with standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to the upscale Limited and Platinum trims with premium features like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system.

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 enhanced power and fuel efficiency. The GLE 53 Coupe's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for a more exhilarating experience. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a balance of comfort and performance, though the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rough roads.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. The Highlander offered Sport, Normal, and Eco driving modes, as well as Mud/Sand and Rock modes for the AWD system. While the V6 engine provided adequate power, it excelled more at highway speeds than from a standstill. The Highlander's handling was commendable, with a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

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 hold provided 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it offered 453 litres of cargo space. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing a centre aisle to the rear seats. While the second row was spacious for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. The XSE trim featured a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, such as Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. 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 Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. All trims featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional safety features included parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, and a digital rearview mirror. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.