2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a design that was considered adequate but not particularly striking. Its exterior, while promising with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, lost its appeal past the A-pillar, resembling older models. Despite efforts to enhance its appearance with flat taillights and a contoured rear, it struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of competitors like BMW and Audi. However, the interior was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a cohesive design. The red and black interior was particularly striking, and the overall feel was one of opulence, though some controls felt flimsy.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive look with its blunt nose and floating roof design. Initially polarizing, its styling was expected to become more familiar over time. The Highlander Hybrid offered a range of trims, with the hybrid powertrain available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum specifications. The interior featured a two-tone design with leather upholstery in higher trims, though some elements like the instrument-panel shroud felt cheap. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but reflections on the screen could be an issue on sunny days.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 boasted 429 hp, and the GLE 580 had a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 hp. The GLE's hybrid system provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, though it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE's ride quality and steering were exceptional, and it could tow up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg combined. It produced 243 hp, with AWD as an option. The hybrid system used an E-CVT for smooth power delivery, but the driving experience was less engaging. The Highlander Hybrid's power was adequate for everyday driving, but it struggled on hills and felt noisy under hard acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride could be unsettled on uneven roads. However, it excelled in urban environments with its electric motor torque and quiet freeway cruising.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious accommodations with optional third-row seating for seven. The second-row seats had power controls, and cargo capacity was generous at 34 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant had less cargo space due to its design. The MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a simplified interface.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight, but the third row was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage options were adequate, though some areas felt smaller than previous models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture controls and a customizable head-up display. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models offered a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's technology was extensive, with features like heated armrests and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. The Driver Easy Speak feature projected the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard forward emergency braking and optional advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were comprehensive, with features like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for added protection.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems had some limitations.