2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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. 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 touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged appearance with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The interior featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The Bronze Edition test vehicle included 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, which, while unique, attracted dirt and stains easily. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, making it suitable for occasional use by children.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission. The AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes enhanced its performance capabilities. The GLE Coupe's adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rough roads. In Sport+ mode, the SUV demonstrated impressive performance on challenging roads, with excellent grip and braking capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid's acceleration was quick but tepid, with the gasoline engine providing adequate power. The ride quality was soft, and the suspension smoothed over bumps, offering a comfortable driving experience. The cabin remained quiet on the highway, though the engine's drone was noticeable when pushed for more power.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. The Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

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

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for the top trim. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were standard on the Limited and Platinum 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 systems for driver assistance and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with impressive Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist technologies. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highlander's safety systems generally worked as advertised, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist could use some fine-tuning.