2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes included clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, was particularly striking. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices with 10 interior color options and five trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic boxy design, paid homage to its heritage with details reminiscent of past models. The heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out and round headlights on the base 1958 trim and First Edition echoed the 20 series, while the rectangular headlights on the middle-grade model referred to the FJ62. All lighting was LED, and the two higher trims featured color-selectable fog lights. The Land Cruiser's design updates included a lowered beltline for improved visibility and standard 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available for the middle trim. The First Edition came with additional off-road gear, enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various SUV shoppers. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a powerful twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for highway speeds up to 87 mph, and the transition between gas and electric power was seamless. The suspension provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, and the steering was sophisticated and maneuverable.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the Multi-Terrain Select system, automatic limited-slip differential, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, allowed for precise control over challenging terrain. The Land Cruiser's performance on the off-road course was impressive, with the transmission and CRAWL control operating smoothly and quietly.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating in both the first and second rows. The cabin had a light and airy feel, thanks to the light beige upholstery. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE had an optional third-row seat, it was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power tilt/sliding sunroof. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up instrument display.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, had two rows of seating with no third row available in the U.S. Headroom measured 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back, while legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently located. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. The Land Cruiser came with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system was user-friendly, though it required some time to master its features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel occasionally caused the music volume to increase unexpectedly.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard on the two higher trims. The 12.3-inch center touchscreen display was useful for off-road navigation, and MTM activated automatically at low speeds. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The middle trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional upgrade to the First Edition's 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package added features like a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. These safety features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of protection.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence in its safety. All Land Cruisers came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist to the middle trim, with these features standard on the First Edition.