2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, presented a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with models like the GLS, GLC, and GLB, yet its rounded profile paid homage to previous generations and its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand's orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

Inside, Mercedes offered a variety of interior colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan, with the U.S. test car showcasing a Yacht Blue interior. The GLE's interior felt upscale, featuring chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting that transformed the cabin into a vibrant space at night. These elements contributed to a special and luxurious atmosphere, enhancing the overall appeal of the GLE.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced the traditional minivan design while attempting to add a touch of style. Its trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of a hand vacuum, did little to dispel the "Dustbuster" metaphor. However, Toyota incorporated upswept body lines, hidden sliding door tracks, and swollen rear fenders that wrapped into a rear end mimicking the front's cinched-in-the-middle look. The narrow taillights with sharp corner spears added a family resemblance to the Camry sedan. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, replacing the previous split-five-spoke design.

Despite these efforts, the Sienna still looked like a minivan. For those seeking seating for up to eight in a more fashionable SUV-shaped package, the Toyota Grand Highlander was a better option. However, for outright practicality, the Sienna's brick-like shape was hard to beat. The top-of-the-line Toyota Sienna Limited with the Platinum package, in the new-for-2025 Magnetic Grey paint colour, capped a Canadian lineup that included LE, XLE, and XSE trims. Prices ranged from $51,219 to $73,753, including destination charges and other fees. Toyota updated the Sienna's interior for 2025, with the Platinum package featuring a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The lineup began with the GLE 350, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This setup was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with 4Matic all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, also with a mild hybrid system, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist, offering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an 80-kilometre electric range.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models rounded out the lineup. The AMG GLE 53 used an enhanced version of the inline-six powertrain, generating 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S boasted a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE's overall refinement impressed, though it felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec. Despite adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system, the GLE lacked nimbleness on backroads and was cumbersome in tight urban spaces.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a single powertrain option: a hybrid system with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive was standard, with an available all-wheel-drive system featuring a rear-mounted electric motor. The net horsepower rating was 245, which, while modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing up to 1,587 kilograms, was offset by the immediate torque from the electric assist motor(s). The Sienna felt surprisingly responsive, especially in city driving, though the CVT's moaning was noticeable during hard acceleration.

The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the FWD model. However, during testing, it averaged 8.9 L/100 km combined with two occupants. While handling was predictable and secure, the Sienna wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The steering lacked precision, and the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Sienna XSE offered a sportier look and suspension, but expectations for driving enjoyment should be tempered. The standard suspension provided a smooth, absorbent ride, akin to a marshmallow on wheels, and the cabin remained impressively quiet on the highway.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though Mercedes didn't publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered comparable headroom to rivals, but the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 had slightly more legroom. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though outward visibility was limited. The AMG test car's heavily bolstered front seats were designed for sporty driving but made entry and exit challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom nearly identical to the BMW X5 and a bit more than other rivals. The GLE offered approximately 7.5 centimetres more legroom compared to the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. Cargo space behind the GLE's second-row seats was competitive at 894 litres, though not as much as the GV80 or MDX. However, with all seats folded, the GLE provided the most cargo space among its competitors, at 1,790 litres. The bulky centre console offered reasonable small-item storage, and the GLE's maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured it could handle substantial loads.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering unique seating and cargo solutions. The front seats were power adjustable and heated as standard, with ventilated perforated leather in the Limited with Platinum package. However, the cushions felt hard after extended driving. The Platinum's second-row, long-slide, reclining captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the refrigerated compartment on the back of the centre console was a hit. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and the sliding side doors and second-row seats made loading and unloading easy. All but LE models featured a hands-free power liftgate.

Storage space was generous, with a wide tray under the centre console, though finding secure spots for one-litre water bottles was challenging. The black plastic lining the dashboard tray wasn't effective at holding items in place during turns. Behind the third-row seat, the Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,129 litres with the third-row seats stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the Sienna's non-removable second-row seats. Toyota's research suggested most minivan owners didn't maximize space by removing seats, but those needing maximum load space might find the Sienna lacking.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a standard interface with dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen, could be confusing, but the native voice recognition system was effective. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display (HUD), and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered four connected services plans, with varying complimentary subscription periods. The digital assistant, part of the Drive Connect plan, responded accurately to commands, though features were unavailable if the subscription lapsed. The Sienna Limited featured a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though sound quality was muddy with excessive bass. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera were appreciated, though the HUD lacked blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and emitting a sound to protect against hearing loss. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE earned a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older technology set compared to TSS 3.0, which was preferred for its less intrusive approach. TSS 2.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The lane-centring assist performed well, though the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna introduced a rear-seat reminder system, alerting owners to movement within the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it scored poorly in frontal impact protection for the driver.