2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front fascia and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance did not match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets were more for show than go. The upper trims featured faux skid plates, and the off-road-themed versions came with utility-style roof racks. The TRD Off-Road trim, tested in the U.S., was discontinued in Canada after 2022, leaving the Limited trim as the top option. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused features like a full-width dashboard shelf and easy-clean surfaces. The cabin's quality improved with higher budgets, offering contrast-colour interior choices for a more upscale feel.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, facelifted for 2024, retained its unique identity among Mercedes SUVs, with a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance, though the proportions appeared odd, especially in the Coupe models. The interior offered a variety of colours beyond the usual black, grey, and tan, with features like chunky air vents and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLE's interior felt luxurious, with a Yacht Blue option in the U.S. test car, though not available in Canada. The cabin was equipped with upscale elements like mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 featured Multi-Terrain Select with driving modes like Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. Ground clearance varied between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres, depending on the model. The engine, though powerful for its class, was loud and unrefined, but the eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine's reliability were redeeming factors. Fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the LE model slightly lower at 7.9 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had 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, plus 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603 hp twin-turbo V8, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The GLE's refinement was impressive, though it felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuvering in tight spaces was challenging, but the powertrains were commendable.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, while ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were exclusive to the Limited trim. The RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with a roomy 1,059-litre cargo area that expanded to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. The rear seat offered good legroom and footroom, though it felt low and lacked leg support.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom, with slightly more space for second-row passengers compared to rivals. The cargo space behind the second-row seats was 894 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's centre console provided room for small items, and the SUV had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The GLE's interior was luxurious, with a high seating position, though outward visibility was limited.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Service Connect and Safety Connect were included for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, adding cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had an active Drive Connect plan, but the digital voice assistant had some limitations. A JBL premium audio system was available, but the test vehicle had standard speakers. The digital rear-view mirror provided a clear view when the RAV4 was packed.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple ways to access the interface. The native voice recognition system was effective, and the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car had additional settings for drive modes and damper firmness. Some GLE models offered an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system. The GLE's technology was advanced, with features like air suspension for rough terrain.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included advanced driver-assistance systems. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. TSS 2.5 was adequate, though the lane-centring assist was better on straighter highways. The adaptive cruise control managed distances smoothly, but braking was sometimes excessive. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, with some important ones as options. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a cross-traffic function. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had Marginal and Acceptable ratings. NHTSA ratings for the 2025 model year were not available.