2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minimal, with the most noticeable being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights added a touch of modernity. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, was particularly striking. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality cabin experience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring similar design cues like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. The Celestial Silver colour gave it a somewhat dated look. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing comfort and convenience.

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. It accelerated 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. It could operate as an EV at speeds up to 140 km/h. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's steering was sophisticated, making it easy to maneuver despite its size.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, featuring the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. It delivered 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. It came with standard 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and subtle operation. The Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate for its class, and the TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires and off-road features. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

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, and a panoramic sunroof. The test vehicle also featured advanced technology like a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented reality navigation.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it provided 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the third row, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. This affected headroom and legroom, making the rear seats less comfortable for taller passengers. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating. The interior was spacious, but some rivals offered more legroom.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, though it required some learning to navigate its 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 overly sensitive, causing occasional issues.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim came with a 14-inch centre touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, which was easy to use despite its lackluster appearance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch screen with clear graphics. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims, aiding in parking and maneuvering. The 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on the Capstone trim, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and active lane-keep assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and reliable. The 2024 model had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard. This included a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.