2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minimal, with the most noticeable updates being the Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, presented a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The interior offered a variety of colour choices and trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, boasted a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias. The Sienna's sporty XSE trim featured a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The interior was practical, with cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight passengers. The XSE trim offered leatherette-trimmed sport seats and a heated, leather-trimmed power steering wheel. The Sienna's design emphasized spaciousness, with horizontal design lines and a fixed centre console with satin accents. While not luxurious, the interior was well-suited for family use.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the GLE 450e PHEV being a standout. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate from 0 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 electric mode and a range of 77 kilometres on a full charge. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While the Sienna's performance was not particularly spirited, it offered a smooth ride with a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode for improved acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smooth but somewhat sluggish driving experience. The Sienna excelled in urban environments, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. However, the brakes could be grabby, and the CVT could become noisy during acceleration.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only 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.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space, with a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs could slide fore and aft, providing up to 101.5 centimetres of legroom. However, the slide function was complicated, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row offered ample legroom, and the seats could tilt for added comfort. The Sienna featured tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate provided access to 949 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,860 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system was user-friendly, with a learning curve for its various features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated, causing issues like sudden volume changes.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna was equipped with an older infotainment system featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system included physical buttons for common menus, the backup camera's grainy view was disappointing. The Sienna offered available SiriusXM satellite radio and a 12-speaker JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available. However, the outlets required manual activation, which could be inconvenient.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, though crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Sienna's adaptive cruise control was effective in stop-and-go traffic, but the lane-keeping assist could cause side-to-side movement. The Sienna received a four-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and a five-star rating for side crash protection. The IIHS rated the Sienna as "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.