2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither overly offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the AMG 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, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the interior's complexity, with a lack of traditional controls, required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct presence, avoiding the "manta ray on wheels" look of the Tundra. Inside, the Sequoia Capstone trim featured an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury. However, some interior materials reminded occupants of the SUV's pickup truck origins. The Sequoia's lineup included various trims, each offering different capabilities and features, catering to a range of preferences and needs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 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, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km during testing. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes such as Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering facilitated urban manoeuvrability. The SUV demonstrated impressive handling and braking capabilities, particularly in Sport+ mode, although its size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain, produced 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, and its fuel efficiency improved to 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km in RWD mode. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport+, with a 4WD system that required manual engagement. The Sequoia's ride quality varied depending on the mode, with Sport and Sport+ providing better control over body motions. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive in urban settings.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz 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. Comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the luxurious experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, with comfortable front seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat, positioned above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. The cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with a maximum capacity of 2,460 litres, significantly less than the previous model. The adjustable cargo shelf provided some flexibility, but the overall utility was reduced compared to competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video navigation, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system varied by trim, with the Capstone model boasting a 14-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services offering user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim also featured a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, though glare and display issues were noted during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE's lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control were finely tuned, though crash-test results were unavailable.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were effective, though the lane-departure warning system was slightly irritating. Crash-test results were unavailable, but the Sequoia's Tundra-based design suggested strong safety performance.