2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, particularly the AMG GLE 53 variant, presented a design that was neither offensive nor overly striking. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles. Inside, the GLE Coupe was a testament to luxury, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) embraced a retro aesthetic with its heritage grille design and bronze accents. The exterior featured groovy yellow, orange, and red stripes, while the interior was practical and solid, albeit with a fair amount of plastic. The 4Runner's design paid homage to truck-based SUVs of the past, offering a purposeful and rugged look. Despite its retro charm, the 4Runner's interior was functional, with easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 EQ Boost system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km during testing. The GLE 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, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made urban driving a breeze.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.9 L/100 km. With 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and off-roading technologies like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control, the 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats were highly adjustable, with 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 Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seating, with dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. The cargo area, with the standard five-passenger seating, offered 1,337 litres of space. The 4Runner's tailgate doubled as a seat, adding practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and optional upgrades like a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented video navigation.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was straightforward, with large knobs and buttons for easy use. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, though the graphics were dated.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.