2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the base model was the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, at more than twice the price, featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e model, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with standard AWD, except for the base GLE 350, and included the Exclusive Package and the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, priced at $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. Despite its luxurious interior, the GLE's exterior design was considered bland, though the GLE Coupe's roofline improved its aesthetics.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was available with a standard turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain achieving up to 36 mpg, and a powerful Hybrid Max configuration with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. Trim levels included LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $43,855 to $61,770. Our test vehicle was the top-tier Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, painted in Storm Cloud, with an MSRP of $61,770. Toyota's conservative styling drew inspiration from the RAV4, resulting in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds and included off-road features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making it less enjoyable on mountain roads. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained unresponsive. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission hesitated with downshifts. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. It used a six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning of CVTs. The Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, achieving 27 mpg compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 36 mpg. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, it averaged 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, aided by electric motors that eliminated turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations caused some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire squeal and understeer. Visibility was excellent, but the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet ride at freeway speeds, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, while the Manufaktur Edition upgraded to Nappa leather. The back seat was spacious but had a low seating position relative to the window sills, providing extra headroom and legroom. An optional third-row seat added two chairs with USB-C ports and power-adjustable second-row seats. The GLE provided thoughtful storage, a power rear liftgate, and 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across three rows, ample storage, and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and supportive cushions. The rear doors were long and required space to open, posing challenges for child seat installation. The second-row captain's chairs, with a removable center console, allowed easy access to the third row. The rearmost seats were comfortable for adults and tall teens, with extra space from the head restraint to the rear liftgate. The Grand Highlander provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 57.9 cubic feet with the third-row bench folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The setup was simple yet effective, with lush graphics and minimal reflections. A biometric authentication system loaded user profiles, and the digital voice assistant performed well, except for hospital-related requests. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Mercedes Digital Extras were standard, with Online Music Streaming included in the Exclusive Package.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 7-inch digital driver display with analog gauges in LE and XLE trims, while higher trims had a 12.3-inch digital panel. All models included a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, collision notification, SOS response, and a digital voice assistant. The system was user-friendly, though the font was hard to read, and it couldn't display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Unique to Mercedes, Pre-Safe Sound protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included sensors, a surround-view camera, and a semi-automated parking system. The $1,950 Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and more. Active Emergency Stop Assist and a touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable features. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature and automated lane-change assist were inconsistent. The GLE had not been rated by NHTSA, but IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025, though its front-crash prevention tech earned low ratings.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. It included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), though the latter was often turned off due to irritation. The safety tech operated accurately, with occasional lane-keep assist issues on freeway curves. The camera system's screen takeover at intersections was more annoying than helpful. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and small overlap frontal-impact protection.