2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite the decline in minivan popularity, Toyota continued to innovate, with the Sienna evolving through four generations since its debut in 1998. The latest model, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan identity, thanks to its sliding side doors. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed door hinges, contributing to its assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, making it an ideal choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB catered to those seeking a compact yet spacious SUV. Positioned between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes' lineup, the GLB offered a blend of style and functionality. The AMG GLB35 variant, in particular, boasted a sporty design with exclusive features like vertical grille bars. The GLB's interior was a showcase of Mercedes' luxury, with high-definition displays and ambient lighting. However, the GLB's design was polarizing, with its boxy shape prioritizing function over form. Despite this, the GLB provided a comfortable and well-equipped cabin, making it a practical choice for urban dwellers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup, shared with other Toyota hybrids like the Highlander and RAV4, offered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sienna's AWD option added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without complicating the drivetrain. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform, which minimized body roll and provided a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered two engine options, with the AMG GLB35 featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This performance-oriented variant accelerated to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, thanks to its AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance AWD system. However, this came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with the AMG GLB35 consuming 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The GLB's handling was sporty, with features like Dynamic Cornering Assist and AMG Ride Control, but the ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a cavernous interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. With the second-row seats in place, the Sienna provided 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, while its 3,500-pound towing capacity made it versatile for family adventures. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and cupholders throughout.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, while compact, offered a surprisingly roomy interior. The optional third-row seat was suitable for children, though it reduced cargo space. The GLB's standard features included dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats, with options for leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo area provided 560 litres of space, expanding to 1,755 litres with the second-row seats folded. The GLB's design prioritized ease of access and comfort, making it a practical choice for urban families.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a notable omission. The Sienna's tech offerings included a rear-seat entertainment system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience for families. Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services were available on higher trims, providing added peace of mind.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen display. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were optional in Canada, the system's natural voice recognition and digital assistant made it user-friendly. The GLB offered additional tech options like a head-up display and surround-view camera system, though these were not present on the test vehicle. The MBUX system's versatility and intuitive controls made it a standout feature in the GLB.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its premium price, lacked some advanced safety features unless equipped with the optional Driver Assistance Package. This package included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, among other technologies. The test vehicle did include standard Active Brake Assist and blind-spot monitoring, but crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.