2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, round headlights on the base and top trims, and rectangular ones on the mid-grade trim. All lighting was upgraded to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The higher trims boasted color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the First Edition trim came with additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the mid-trim offered SofTex, and the First Edition featured real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned for 2020 and facelifted for 2024, presented a unique profile distinct from other Mercedes SUVs. It combined the visual bulk of its siblings with a more rounded profile, nodding to previous generations. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, contrasted by sharply tapering side glass and a rakish windshield. This created unusual proportions, especially on the GLE Coupe models. Despite its unconventional look, the GLE maintained the brand's signature style. For 2025, new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors were introduced, offering more personalization options. The interior, with its Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting, felt upscale and special, although the heavily bolstered seats in the AMG test car made entry and exit challenging.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, experienced primarily on an off-road course, showcased its hybrid powertrain, a first for the model. It featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, delivering a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, provided versatility. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The ability to disconnect the front sway bar enhanced off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, operated silently, improving the off-road experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE 63 S, with its hand-built V8, provided exhilarating acceleration and a distinctive soundtrack. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system unable to make it nimble in tight spaces.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered 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 front and 26.7 inches rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, with controls for the stabilizer-bar disconnect and lockers conveniently placed. The wireless charging pad was located ahead of the cupholders, and the Premium Package included a center console cool box. The rear liftgate opened to a cargo area with a raised load floor, offering 37.5 cubic feet of space. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were available in higher trims.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. It provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console offered reasonable storage, despite housing the infotainment touchpad. The GLE's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing some competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system on higher trims, utilizing a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. MTM activated automatically at low speeds, aiding off-road navigation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while the middle trim offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system with the Premium Package. Additional features included a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of dual 12.3-inch screens, with MBUX incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition, were available. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured six drive modes and adjustable settings for damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some models offered an off-road display and "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's safety reputation provided some assurance. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and other features to the middle trim, standard on the First Edition.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.