2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance with its new generation design, fitting neatly as the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Its proportions and styling were distinct, placing it below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions were on the larger side for a subcompact SUV, comparable to the BMW X1. It was three inches taller and half an inch shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that contributed to its muscular look. Despite its small windows, the seating positions offered ample visibility. However, the interior surfaces were less than premium, with easily scratched materials, although the seats were well-appointed. Overall, the GLA's interior did not quite match the luxury expected from a Mercedes, with mass-market models offering similar or better interiors for the same price.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition trim to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard model, however, arrived with Magnetic Gray paint and plush Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design was basic, with large headlights and chrome accents, lacking character aside from flared fenders. Inside, the Land Cruiser featured a mix of Toyota parts and Lexus design themes, with high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The interior felt like a step back in time, with a dated yet plush and premium feel. Despite its swanky interior, the Land Cruiser's design and features seemed more nostalgic than cutting-edge.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants, with a fourth on the way. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the GLA to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 variant increased power to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 further upped the ante with 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The GLA's performance was complemented by various drive modes and an adaptive damping system, although the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 401 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, and Crawl Control. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected handling. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, showcasing its strength and versatility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's increased height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered improved legroom, making them comfortable for smaller adults. The GLA featured a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats. Cargo space was average for its class, with 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated. The second-row bench seat was roomy, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row slid forward, though leg support was lacking. Cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell-style liftgate, offering 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. The system included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, and wireless device charging. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with voice-activated controls and a car-wash function.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, lacking swipe or scroll functionality. It ran on Toyota Entune technology, with limited depth and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system included Siri Eyes Free voice control and a three-month SiriusXM subscription. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control, while the rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with DVD playback and HDMI connections.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies, while the Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system. However, the GLA's standard safety features were less comprehensive than some lower-priced SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping.