2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided the ostentatious grilles seen on models like the BMW X7, opting for a more subtle design. However, for those seeking a bit more flair, the AMG GLS 63 performance model offered enhanced visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and a muscular grille. The Maybach version took luxury to another level with chrome accents and a traditional hood ornament. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, even in its basic form, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-quality feel without being overly fragile.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, 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, setting it apart from its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia Capstone trim level featured an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, while the cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury. Despite its upscale appearance, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia offered a range of trims, each catering to different preferences, from off-road capabilities to luxurious features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor providing an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine offered smooth performance, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to a bouncy ride over bumps. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain. This combination produced an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity was a standout feature, with a maximum rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The hybrid powertrain also contributed to improved fuel efficiency, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. However, the suspension could be busy and jittery, especially in Normal mode, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight manoeuvres.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for easy access to the third row, providing ample legroom. The GLS boasted 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power-folding seats and air suspension made loading and unloading cargo convenient, although the touchscreen was positioned too far for easy reach.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with features like soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked the ability to slide forward and back, limiting flexibility for third-row passengers. The third-row seat, positioned above the battery pack, offered limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was a compromise, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in its rearmost position. Folding the seats expanded cargo capacity to 2,460 litres, but this was still less than the previous-generation model and its competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and challenging to use. The GLS also included an augmented-reality navigation feature, although the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, although it occasionally provided incomplete results. The Sequoia allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, but there were some connectivity issues during testing. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and safety. However, the display was prone to glare, and the parking sensors and automatic braking system were sensitive, occasionally activating unexpectedly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision. However, advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system were optional. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered an extensive array of standard safety features, bundled into the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 package. This included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash-test ratings for the Sequoia were not available, the Tundra, on which it is based, received high ratings from the IIHS.