2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. While it had undergone minor updates, the midsize SUV retained its classic boxy shape, which was fitting for an all-terrain vehicle. The flared fenders and rugged grille design gave it a robust appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model, with its underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, further emphasized its off-road capabilities. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials resembled vinyl more than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, presented a more modern and luxurious aesthetic. It featured a rounded profile with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, maintaining the brand's signature style. The interior was upscale, with unique colour options like Yacht Blue, although not available in Canada. The GLE's cabin boasted features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. While the GLE's styling might not have been the most striking in the Mercedes lineup, it adhered to the brand's design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, requiring aggressive acceleration to merge onto highways. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in noticeable body roll and a noisy ride due to the sportier exhaust.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered impressive power, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited agility in tight spaces.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent outward visibility. The front seats offered ample space, but taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was restricted for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,540 litres available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver added convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The front seats provided a high seating position, but visibility was compromised. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in rival SUVs. The GLE's cargo space was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The centre console provided ample storage for small items. With a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, the GLE was capable of handling substantial loads.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, creating a seamless digital interface. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition, were available, though they could be overwhelming. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's versatility.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but newer small overlap tests showed "Marginal" and "Poor" results. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with some available as options. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The IIHS named the GLE a 2025 Top Safety Pick+, though its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.