2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, such as compartments for iPads and juice boxes. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in several trims, including LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium audio systems and panoramic moonroofs.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to overlook. The GLE featured standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights, with a grille adorned with Mercedes star logos. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, exuded elegance. Inside, the GLE 450e impressed with its luxurious Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, natural grain brown walnut trim, and a host of interior colour and trim options. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment, offering a sophisticated and luxurious experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive, with no front-wheel drive option in Canada. The Highlander featured a tap-shift function and drive-mode options, including Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, as well as AWD modes for different terrains. While the V6 provided better pickup at higher speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander excelled in handling, with a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim that reduced body roll and maintained comfort over bumps. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the AMG GLE 53 featuring a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, produced a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered versatile cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 1,370 litres of cargo space, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat folding and pull-straps for lifting the third-row seats. The cabin was equipped with deep cargo pockets, extra ledges, and a spacious centre console. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, providing a centre aisle to the rear seats and additional space for passengers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, with excellent outward visibility. Behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, the GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space. While the GLE could technically accommodate a third row, it was only suitable for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy operation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available as options.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system supported touch commands, a control pad, and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved voice command system. The GLE also offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation, enhancing convenience and clarity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional features included parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a surround-view parking monitor. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive during everyday driving. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year.