2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that was characteristic of modern Mercedes design, with a subtlety that some might find bordering on mundane. However, this understated style aged gracefully, especially when enhanced with upgraded wheels. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured stunning 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and lustrous paint, creating a striking visual appeal. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior colour scheme, complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents. The interior was a testament to Mercedes' attention to detail, offering a luxurious and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the U.S.-only 1794 Edition trim, presented a more rugged aesthetic. The test vehicle's Lunar Rock paint and dark grey painted 20-inch wheels drew attention, despite the Sequoia's familiarity on the road. The interior featured Saddle Tan leather upholstery and open-pore walnut wood trim, although the rest of the cabin was dominated by typical Toyota-grade plastic. The Sequoia's design was functional, but it lacked the premium feel of its Mercedes counterpart. The Canadian Sequoia lineup offered various trims, each with distinct features, but the overall design leaned more towards practicality than luxury.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided smooth and seamless acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The mild-hybrid system's integrated starter-generator 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 refined, with adaptive air suspension and various driving modes allowing for tailored dynamics.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 1.87-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, providing muscular performance despite the Sequoia's 2,790-kilogram weight. However, fuel economy was less impressive, with the test vehicle averaging 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with a peak payload of 640 kilograms. While the Sequoia offered robust performance, its driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle, resulting in a less refined ride compared to the GLS.

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 front seats provided excellent comfort and visibility, while the second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. However, accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome, and space was limited for adults. Cargo capacity was practical, with 355 litres behind the third row, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres with all seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. The Platinum and Capstone trims featured 10-way power adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Access to the third row was facilitated by long rear doors, but the high floor and low roof made entry and exit awkward for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, 1,387 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,460 litres. Despite its size, the Sequoia offered less cargo space than some rivals and even Toyota's own Grand Highlander.

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

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, starting at the Limited trim. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered various connected services, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system included a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system and a surround-view camera system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and some limitations in voice recognition detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that could be customized through MBUX. The systems provided effective forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist offering smooth and transparent operation.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane assist features. While the technology was helpful, the lane assist features were sometimes intrusive. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Sequoia.