2025 Toyota Sequoia vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the 1794 Edition trim, was a striking presence on the road, especially with its Lunar Rock paint. Despite being a few years into its current generation, the Sequoia remained a rare sight, drawing attention with its unique styling. However, the interior left something to be desired, with the typical Toyota-grade plastic dominating the cabin, detracting from the overall luxury feel. The Sequoia lineup in Canada offered a range of trims, from the base SR5 TRD Off-road to the high-end Capstone, with prices ranging from $87,174 to $106,175. The vehicle's design, while eye-catching, was somewhat compromised by the use of a solid rear axle, affecting both rear-seat room and cargo space.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, assembled in Alabama, offered a more refined and luxurious experience. Our test vehicle, the GLE 450, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE's interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury, with high-quality materials, elegant design, and advanced technology. The Exclusive Trim Package added features like a panoramic sunroof and premium leather, enhancing the overall experience. However, the GLE's exterior design, particularly in the standard body style, was less impressive, with a somewhat bland appearance. Despite this, the GLE Coupe's design was more appealing, thanks to its swoopy roofline.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was powered by an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided muscular performance, with quick acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the Sequoia's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in testing, compared to the expected 11.7 L/100 km. The Sequoia excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 4,137 kilograms, but its driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle, leading to a jittery ride and limited off-road capability.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLE's performance was bolstered by a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a range of driving modes. While the GLE was capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms, its standard suspension allowed for too much body motion, affecting ride quality. The steering, though comfortable, lacked feedback, and the brakes, while effective in spirited driving, were grabby in stop-and-go traffic. The GLE's fuel economy was commendable, matching the expected 11.2 L/100 km in testing.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia offered seating for up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for shorter passengers. The interior featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional comfort features on higher trims. However, the Sequoia's high floor and low roof made accessing the third row awkward, and cargo space was limited, with a maximum of 2,460 litres. The Sequoia's design prioritized passenger comfort, but its packaging was less efficient than some rivals.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with firm yet supportive front seats and a roomy back seat. The seating position in the rear was somewhat low, but headroom and legroom were generous. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding versatility to the GLE's interior. The cargo area offered 943 litres of space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,120 litres with the seats folded. The GLE's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and high-quality materials throughout.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with various connected services available through subscription plans. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, many advanced features required active subscriptions. The Sequoia's infotainment system was user-friendly, but the lack of a tuning knob was a notable omission. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system was capable but had limitations in executing certain commands.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's MBUX infotainment system featured dual 12.3-inch displays with lush graphics and minimal reflections. The system included a biometric authentication feature and a highly capable digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation, enhancing the GLE's tech offerings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the GLE offered a range of connected services, including online music streaming.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. While the tech was helpful, the lane assist features could be intrusive, leading to false warnings. At the time of publication, the Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety tech was generally effective, though some features, like the route-based speed adjustment, were frustrating. The GLE earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2025, but NHTSA ratings were not available.