2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a polarizing design that, over time, became more familiar. Its blunt, bulbous nose and floating roof design gave it a distinctive look, though some elements, like the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, overwhelmed the design. Despite its bold appearance, the Highlander Hybrid's styling was expected to become more subdued with time. The interior offered a two-tone look with soft leather in higher trims, but some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The infotainment system was dominated by a 12.3-inch screen, which could suffer from reflections, and the mix of illumination colors made the gauges appear busy at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, particularly in its AMG GLE 53 variant, was styled with a sporty elegance. Its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch wheels gave it an athletic look, reminiscent of a sneaker. Inside, the GLE Coupe was luxurious, featuring Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen setup provided a high-tech feel, and ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design cleverly masked complexity, though it required some acclimation to operate smoothly.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 243 hp and offering improved fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined. However, this came at the cost of driving enjoyment, as the vehicle felt underpowered and noisy during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was prone to unwanted body movement, though it handled well on smooth roads. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but overall, the driving experience was not engaging.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivered 429 hp and featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for added power and efficiency. The AMG GLE 53 offered a dynamic driving experience with its nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance AWD system. It handled urban environments with ease, though the brake pedal was challenging to modulate. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the SUV excelled in performance modes, offering a thrilling drive on winding roads.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and heated features. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt cramped for adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable and difficult to access. Cargo space was adequate, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet. However, storage solutions were less generous than previous models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though four was more comfortable. The front seats offered numerous adjustments and comfort features, while the back seat provided ample legroom. Cargo space was generous at 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLE Coupe included luxury upgrades like heated and massaging seats, enhancing the overall comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The system was user-friendly, though the sound quality varied. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester audio system. MBUX was intuitive, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features like gesture recognition and augmented video navigation enhanced the experience, though the touchpad could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a range of driver-assist technologies. It included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems for enhanced safety, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE's safety systems were refined and effective, though crash-test results for the Coupe were unavailable.