2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, now with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. The interior was functional, comfortable, and refined for its class, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, was not a mere replica of other Mercedes SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with the GLS, GLC, and GLB classes but had a more rounded profile reminiscent of its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the side glass tapered sharply inward, creating odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite this, the GLE's styling adhered to Mercedes' brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. For 2025, the GLE offered new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors, previously exclusive to AMG models. The interior was upscale, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating a special atmosphere.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy than the previous five-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option, while off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering strong low-speed power for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assistance, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering a 50-mile electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ were performance models, with the GLE 53 producing 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, and the GLE 63 S delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The GLE 63 S offered exhilarating acceleration and a classic V8 soundtrack. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited nimbleness on backroads and challenging maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. However, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, with cushions mounted to the floor, making it uncomfortable for even small children. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and tactile off-road controls. The 4Runner offered auxiliary light controls and manual headlight adjustments. Off-road features included terrain programs, camera views, a locking rear differential, and a disconnectable stabilizer bar. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though Mercedes did not publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered similar front headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in most competitors, with slightly more headroom and three inches of additional legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The center console provided reasonable storage space. The GLE's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing other competitors.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were available. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel, with availability on other models. Off-road models featured external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, control, and a digital key function were accessible via a smartphone app.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for infotainment, creating a continuous horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad, buttons, and voice recognition, were available. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Off-road displays showed steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, with a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system. Air suspension allowed for increased ground clearance.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and expanded driver monitoring. The GLE was a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, though its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.