2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that was characteristic of modern Mercedes design, with a subtle sensuality that, while bordering on the mundane, promised to age gracefully. Our GLS 450 test vehicle was adorned with striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and lustrous paint, creating a sophisticated exterior. Inside, the GLS 450 featured a new Bahia Brown over Black interior colour scheme, complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, making it a luxurious space to spend time. The GLS 450 was the entry-level model, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a balance of performance and affordability.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Sequoia's appearance varied significantly with exterior colour choices, and our Capstone model, in Celestial Silver, featured more chrome brightwork than any other trim. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dash layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim featured SofTex leatherette seating. The Sequoia's interior was practical, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across the lineup.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 delivered a compelling performance with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided smooth and seamless acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. The mild-hybrid system added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, enhancing the vehicle's responsiveness. A nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system ensured optimal power distribution. The GLS 450 offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and a combined fuel economy rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The driving experience was sublime, with adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires contributing to its athleticism.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively available in hybrid format, featured Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup 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. The standard 4WD system included a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, while the TRD Pro models added off-road enhancements. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate for its class.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a luxurious interior with supple leather surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wide range of adjustments. The standard heated rear seats and four-zone automatic climate control ensured passenger comfort. However, accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome, and the space was snug for adults. Cargo space was practical, with 355 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres behind the front seats.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, making entry easier for shorter individuals. The interior offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The second-row seats did not slide fore and aft, but access to the back row was easy. The third-row bench seats folded at the push of a button, though they did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Legroom was limited in the third row, and the second-row captain's chairs were wide but lacked bolstering.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and various instrumentation themes, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and centre console caused occasional frustration. Despite this, MBUX was intuitive, with outstanding natural voice recognition and augmented reality for navigation.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim came with a 14-inch centre touchscreen, while the SR5 trim featured an 8-inch screen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited trim and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features, adjustable through the MBUX system. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were praised for their effectiveness, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems operated smoothly, providing a seamless driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety features as standard across all trims. This suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims.