Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of nine versions in Canada, with prices spanning from $85,400 to $172,400, excluding dealership-specific destination charges. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 350 was the entry-level model, featuring standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe boasted a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e variant, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 79 kilometres of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with the Exclusive Trim Package, featuring exclusive Manufaktur paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package, a panoramic sunroof, premium leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. While the exterior design was criticized for its blandness, the interior was praised for its elegance, quality materials, and sophisticated digital displays.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was available with a standard turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain, and a powerful Hybrid Max configuration with full-time AWD and 362 horsepower. Prices for the hybrid models ranged from $57,465 to $69,060, including a $1,930 destination charge. Our review focused on the top-tier Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max, which featured Storm Cloud paint and no additional options. The design drew inspiration from the RAV4, resulting in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) and included features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a “transparent hood” camera view for off-roading. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making it less enjoyable for city and mountain road driving. The steering was numb in Comfort mode and overly firm in Dynamic mode. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission was slow to downshift. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max combined a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with electronic full-time AWD and two electric motors, delivering 362 net horsepower. It used a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning of CVTs. The Hybrid Max had a combined fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km and could tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). During testing, it achieved 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route and 10.1 L/100 km on a mountainous loop. The powertrain provided rewarding acceleration, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations caused some vertical bounding and lateral rocking. Handling was secure at moderate speeds, but the tires squealed early when pushed. Visibility was excellent, aided by available camera systems, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet ride at highway speeds, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and genuine leather options. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the windowsills, providing extra headroom and legroom. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two chairs with USB-C ports and power-adjustable second-row seats. The GLE provided thoughtful storage solutions and a cargo area with 943 litres of space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,120 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and supportive cushions. The rear doors were long, making child seat installation challenging, and the sharp corners could cause dents in neighbouring vehicles. The second-row captain’s chairs had a removable centre console, allowing easy access to the third row. The third-row seats were comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample space from the head restraint to the rear liftgate. The cargo area offered 586 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,761 litres with the second row folded down.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays, offering lush graphics and minimal reflections. A biometric authentication system loaded user profiles, and the digital voice assistant performed well, except for hospital-related requests. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, in XLE trim, had a 7-inch digital driver display with analog gauges, while Limited and Platinum trims featured a 12.3-inch digital panel. All models had a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like automatic collision notification and a digital voice assistant. The system was user-friendly, though the font was hard to read, and the voice assistant performed well with complex commands. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe Sound. Parking aids included sensors, a surround-view camera, and a semi-automated parking system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep and centring assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The GLE received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS but had low ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like lane keep assist and Proactive Driving Assist. The safety tech operated accurately, though the lane keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The camera system's screen takeover was more annoying than helpful. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.