2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. Its traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct look, setting it apart from the Tundra's more unconventional design. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches of leather, wood, and metallic finishes, especially in the upscale Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a massive 14-inch infotainment system, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or add a TRD Off-Road Package to the SR5 and Limited trims for enhanced capability.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update, with changes that were hard to spot unless compared directly with the previous model. The GLE's grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor tweaks. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LEDs added to its appeal. The GLE 450e test vehicle stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which, despite their cost, complemented the vehicle's design. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, natural grain brown walnut trim, and a host of comfort features. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colors and trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the most refined in its class.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity rose to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency improved significantly, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg for 4WD and 22 mpg for RWD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. However, the ride quality was affected by the 22-inch wheels and adaptive rear air suspension, leading to a busy and occasionally jittery experience on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, from turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines to a powerful twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S, producing 603 horsepower. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear changes, and the GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. While official EPA estimates were unavailable, the GLE 450e's electric-only range was estimated at 40 miles, with the ability to operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections with ease, providing a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the panoramic sunroof reduced second-row headroom, and the third-row seat was cramped due to the high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, with a maximum cargo capacity of 86.9 cubic feet, significantly less than its predecessor and competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. While the optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, it 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 liftgate. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the GLE's luxurious appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. However, the display suffered from glare, and the system occasionally had connectivity issues. The Capstone trim added a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system, and augmented reality navigation. While the system was feature-rich, it required a learning curve to master. The GLE's head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience, though the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be inadvertently activated.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving, providing an extra layer of safety without being intrusive.