2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, with its bold design inspired by the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The SUV's newly creased and kinked body gave it a more commanding presence than its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with upscale touches like leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a large 14-inch infotainment system, and while it looked luxurious, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $79,335 for the TRD Off-road and reaching $95,335 for the Capstone. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro trim, which offered enhanced capability, though the Sequoia's ground clearance and angles suggested less off-road prowess than the previous model.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The GLE's design changes included clever details like Mercedes star logos on the grille and updated headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test vehicle featured a Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with 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 GLE's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The vehicle's sophisticated steering made it easy to maneuver, and the GLE 450e's driving manners were praised for their refinement.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. While it lacked the rumble of the previous V8, the new V6 offered improved towing capacity, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency also improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the Sequoia's steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. Its fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for highway driving 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 handle despite its size.

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 climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked adjustability, limiting third-row space. The third-row seat was less comfortable than competitors, with limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in place. Folding the seats expanded cargo capacity to 2,460 litres, but this was still smaller than previous models and competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favourably to rivals. The optional third-row seat was limited to certain trims and was suitable only for young children. The GLE's interior featured power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a power liftgate.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally misinterpreted requests. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the display suffered from glare, and the parking sensors and automatic rear braking system were sensitive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted 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 feature-rich and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The "Hey Mercedes" voice command system was improved, and 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.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash tests were not available, the Sequoia's platform-mate, the Tundra, received high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included active lane-keep assist 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 pending.