2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that was easy to overlook, even for seasoned observers. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior, though the color and wheels tempted a higher rating. 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, including ten interior colors and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome in Celestial Silver. The interior closely resembled the Tundra, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for climate and audio. The Sequoia Capstone featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric, SofTex, or leather seating. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across the lineup.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower, delivering sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, generated 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for highway speeds up to 87 mph, with a seamless transition between gas and electric power. The suspension absorbed road imperfections effortlessly, and the GLE's sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked an improvement over its V8 predecessor, with a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The Sequoia TRD Pro offered 4WD with a part-time system and off-road enhancements. The TRD Off-Road package added all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road suspension. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate for its class.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. It offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e featured power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the third row, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. The Sequoia's interior dimensions included 39.2 inches of legroom in the front, 39.2 inches in the second row, and 28.1 to 33.7 inches in the third row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls occasionally caused issues with volume control.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included a 14-inch center touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver-information display was a 12.3-inch full-color screen, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard. The 10-inch color head-up display was available on higher trims, and the JBL Premium Audio system was standard on Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist and adaptive cruise control. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety features as standard, with technologies like a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, but the similar Toyota Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.