2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor groundbreaking, with its Selenite Grey paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels giving it a sleek, athletic appearance reminiscent of a high-end sneaker. Despite the absence of the V8-powered AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, the GLE 53 Coupe maintained a luxurious interior with high-end materials like Nappa leather and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a modern touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza offered a modern and elegant design, with proportions that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting, emphasizing a sophisticated look. Inside, the Venza boasted a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a tested consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes for different conditions. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, making the GLE Coupe feel nimble and composed in urban and highway settings.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivered a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with regenerative braking recharging the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, providing a versatile driving experience. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Venza's handling was agile, and its ride was smooth, making it a reliable midsize family vehicle.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the back seat provided ample legroom. The cargo hold measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the luxurious feel.

The Toyota Venza seated five with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, suitable for three adults. The cabin featured convenience elements like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and ample storage options. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres, expanding to 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded. Sound-blocking materials ensured a quiet ride, making the Venza a serene travel companion.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and optional features like gesture recognition and augmented video navigation. However, the touchpad on the centre console could be inadvertently activated.

The Toyota Venza offered a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and higher trims added features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features, enhancing the Venza's appeal.

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 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 Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which offered forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.