2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and a muscular stance. Its appearance varied significantly with color choices. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver paint, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange and black accents transformed it into a playful "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric or SofTex options. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, enhancing comfort and customization.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, creating a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models exaggerated these proportions with a fastback-style roofline. New paint colors and Manufaktur interiors added personalization options. The Yacht Blue interior of the test car stood out, complemented by upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting. Despite its stylish interior, the GLE's proportions and design ensured it remained unmistakably a Mercedes.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively a hybrid, using the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor. It delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro model offered off-road capabilities with 4WD, skid plates, and specialized suspension. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with various towing upgrades available.

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 engine with 255 hp, while the GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 hp. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp. The GLE 63 S excelled in acceleration, but its size affected maneuverability. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, even with AMG enhancements.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured power-deploying running boards for easier access. It offered 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded, but the third-row seats didn't create a flat load floor due to the battery pack. Headroom was reduced, and legroom varied, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came in two- and three-row configurations, though third-row specs weren't published. It offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than rivals. Cargo space was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE's center console provided ample storage, and it had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and Panoramic View monitor were standard. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Multiple access methods were available, but voice recognition simplified use. AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced capability.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, featuring pre-collision, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Trailer Merge Warning was standard, and the Tow Technology Package added further aids. The Sequoia hadn't been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, with some optional. Standard features included collision warning, emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and more. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though front-crash prevention ratings varied.