2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly 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 was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech feel, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the lack of traditional controls posed a challenge for newcomers, though familiarity with the system eventually led to a more intuitive operation.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design inspired by a Japanese bullet train. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna offered a practical and stylish choice for families, with larger cargo capacity and easy access. The Sienna's interior was well-received, particularly in the Platinum trim, which featured high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The minivan provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design focused on functionality, making it a smart choice for families seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with 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 extra power and improved fuel efficiency. The GLE 53 Coupe achieved a fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km, slightly above the expected 12.5 L/100 km. The SUV boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, offering various driving modes such as Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering improved maneuverability in urban settings. The GLE 53 Coupe excelled in Sport+ mode, showcasing its performance capabilities on challenging roads, though its size and weight were noticeable drawbacks.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. The Sienna's powertrain, while less powerful than competitors, offered a nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The minivan's chassis and steering were praised for their soundness and ease of handling, making it a pleasure to drive in both urban and highway settings. The Sienna's light steering feel and tidy turning radius were particularly beneficial in city driving. The minivan offered several drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

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 655-litre cargo hold expanded to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe included features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a four-zone automatic climate control system, enhancing comfort and luxury.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. The minivan's open cubby below the centre console and long dash shelf provided ample space for personal items. The Sienna's three-zone climate control was standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. The minivan's dimensions, at 5,175 millimetres long and a 3,061-millimetre wheelbase, offered generous interior space. The Sienna provided 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats folded, and a total of 2,860 litres. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added legroom.

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, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, utilized an older infotainment interface, offering core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which were appreciated for their functionality. The interface, though reliable, felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The Sienna's 9-inch touchscreen was adequate, and the 12-speaker JBL premium audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist providing added security. 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 Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna focused on essential safety features, making it a reliable choice for families.