2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a more refined and smoother exterior compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and reduced edges, contributing to a lower drag coefficient of .29. This change, while subtle, was claimed by Mercedes to make it a class leader. The most noticeable transformation was at the front end, which gave the vehicle a handsome yet unoffensive appearance. Inside, the GLE offered increased headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extension in the wheelbase, allowing for an optional third row, a first for a midsize Mercedes SUV. However, the optional $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower. The price could quickly escalate with numerous options, such as the $1,620 black leather upholstery and the $350 Air Balance Package, which added a cabin air purifier and fragrance system. The interior was luxurious, with features like $1,100 multi-contour front seats with a massage function, though heat and ventilation required additional costs. The vehicle also offered a range of packages, including the $2,250 Driver Assistance Package Plus and the $1,850 Premium Package, which added advanced technology and comfort features. Despite the extensive options list, the GLE's final price could reach $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from the 2018 facelift. The interior design, reminiscent of the mid-2000s, featured a massive, multi-tiered center dash with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that appeared small against the expansive dash space. The front seats, though bulky, were comfortable, but taller drivers found themselves close to the roof, especially with the optional sunroof. The second-row seats, however, offered ample headroom and legroom, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

The Sequoia was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro, and Platinum. The entry-level SR5 came with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and a power moonroof. The TRD Sport added unique styling touches and a sport-tuned suspension, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and a premium audio system. The Nightshade Edition featured black accents and a larger 9-inch touchscreen, while the TRD Pro was designed for off-road use with features like Fox Racing shocks and a TRD-tuned suspension. The Platinum trim added luxury features like heated-and-ventilated front seats and an air suspension.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while smooth and powerful at speed, exhibited noticeable turbo lag from a stop, which was attributed to the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission, though decent, lacked the smoothness of the BMW X5's 8-speed. The GLE 350's fuel economy was commendable, achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the BMW X5 offered more power and slightly better city mileage.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, even for the Sequoia's substantial weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission, while a throwback compared to modern multi-speed options, held gears longer under hard acceleration, enhancing the sensation of power but impacting fuel economy. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were truck-like, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, offering a confident driving experience. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe in towing capacity.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, providing generous space in the second row. Depending on the configuration, it offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel's position often obstructed the screen, requiring constant adjustments for visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia's standout feature was its spacious cabin, offering nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with it folded. With all rear seats down, it provided an impressive 120 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a practical feature for quick access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a massive center console.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which, while initially daunting, offered a wealth of features and customization options. The system was complemented by two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display, providing augmented reality navigation and traffic signals. The voice control system, though promising, was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class. The driver-assistance tech, while improved, still had issues with lane-keeping at high speeds.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, which still felt small on the large dash. The older infotainment system was straightforward and easy to use, with large hard buttons for navigation. The digital trip computer, though small, was functional and easy to navigate.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked current testing data from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to enhance driver comfort and safety. However, the lane-keeping system struggled at high speeds, leading to a less-than-ideal experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided a comprehensive list of safety features, though it lacked advanced tech like lane-keeping assist. It scored four out of five stars in NHTSA's rollover test but had not been rated in other crash tests.