2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the 1794 Edition trim, presented a rugged yet refined appearance with its dark grey 20-inch wheels and reduced chrome accents. Despite being a few years into its current generation, the Sequoia still managed to turn heads, especially with its Lunar Rock paint. Inside, the cabin was a mix of Saddle Tan leather and Toyota-grade plastic, which detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Sequoia's interior was practical but lacked the premium touch expected in this segment.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a sporty elegance, especially with the AMG Line Exterior Package and 21-inch AMG wheels on the GLS 450 test vehicle. The interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury, featuring high-quality materials and a design reminiscent of the smaller GLE. Despite some body creaks on cold mornings, the GLS offered a sophisticated and comfortable environment, enhanced by ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. The dual 12.3-inch displays provided a modern yet classic touch, integrating seamlessly with the dashboard.

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, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered muscular performance, though it fell short on fuel economy, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in testing. The Sequoia's towing capacity was impressive at 4,137 kilograms, but its solid rear axle and battery placement compromised ride quality and interior space.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assistance, generating 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, allowed the GLS to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy was slightly better than the Sequoia, with a tested average of 12.1 L/100 km. The GLS's Airmatic adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, and its towing capacity was a respectable 3,500 kilograms.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia offered seating for up to eight, though the third row was best suited for shorter passengers due to limited headroom. The interior featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional comforts like massaging seats available on higher trims. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,460 litres with all seats folded. Access to the third row was cumbersome, and the high floor made entry and exit awkward.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided a more luxurious seating arrangement, with standard seven-passenger capacity and an optional six-passenger configuration with captain's chairs. The interior boasted a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and an available executive-style rear seat package. Cargo space was slightly more generous than the Sequoia, with 355 litres behind the third row and up to 2,400 litres with seats folded. The GLS's design prioritized passenger comfort and ease of access, making it a more practical choice for families.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Limited trim upwards. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered features like cloud-based navigation and voice recognition, though many required active subscriptions. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided connectivity, while a 14-speaker JBL sound system enhanced the audio experience. However, the lack of a tuning knob was a notable oversight.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a navigation system with augmented reality. The standard Burmester surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality, with an optional high-end system for audiophiles. Additional tech options included a head-up display and rear-seat entertainment screens. The MBUX system was intuitive and user-friendly, with a responsive digital assistant.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While these features provided a comprehensive safety suite, the lane assist systems were sometimes intrusive. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist. While it lacked hands-free highway driving technology, the GLS's systems required active driver participation, ensuring a smooth and refined driving experience. The GLS's safety features were comprehensive, though some systems, like curve speed reduction, could be overly cautious.