2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, which were best complemented by the Midnight Black color. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, featured oversized headlights and taillights, along with an abundance of chrome, giving it a somewhat dated appearance. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design themes, offering high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, creating a sense of traveling back in time.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a more modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Positioned between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes' lineup, the GLB was available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The AMG GLB35, which was tested, featured a more powerful drivetrain and exclusive design elements like vertical grille bars. Despite its boxy shape, the GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle and short overhangs. The interior was a highlight, showcasing Mercedes' tradition of luxury with high-definition displays, ambient lighting, and artistic air vents. However, the controls required some acclimation, and the road noise was notably loud, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin experience. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided robust off-road capabilities. The SUV featured a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of off-road technologies like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight was evident in its handling. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, emphasizing its utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly in AMG GLB35 guise, emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This version accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, significantly quicker than the GLB250. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD. Its EPA fuel economy rating was 22 mpg, and it averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. The AMG GLB35's performance-oriented features included an AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension. While it excelled on twisty roads, offering a thrilling driving experience, its firm ride and occasional throttle lag made it less comfortable for daily driving.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated in appearance, was luxurious with plush leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated. The SUV offered a commanding view of the road, and the second-row bench seat provided ample space and comfort with heated cushions. The third-row seat, while accommodating adults if the second row was adjusted, lacked leg support for long trips. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate facilitated easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB catered to urbanites seeking a compact yet spacious SUV. It offered dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable front seats with optional leather upholstery. The GLB's interior was customizable with ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats provided comfort for two adults, though the optional third-row seat was best suited for children. The GLB's cargo area offered 22 cubic feet of space, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second row folded. A power rear liftgate was standard, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. The system lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its interface required tapping rather than swiping. The voice-recognition system was basic, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was outdated. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality, but it fell short compared to high-end systems in other SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB boasted a high-tech interior with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The AMG GLB35 featured a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Premium and Multimedia Packages added satellite radio and a navigation system with augmented reality. The MBUX system offered natural voice recognition and a digital assistant, enhancing usability. Additional options included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester audio system, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Land Cruiser.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its price, lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The test vehicle did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were also unavailable.