2027 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two distinct versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model was characterized by its round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim featured rectangular lamps and standard artificial leather upholstery. The latter also offered a broader color palette and more features. Starting at $59,775, the 1958 catered to those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle, while the higher trim, priced from $64,620, appealed to buyers desiring more luxury. Our test vehicle, equipped with options like two-tone paint and a Premium Package, had an MSRP of $73,740. Inside, the cabin prioritized function over form, with the Premium Package adding soft leather upholstery and generous padding. Despite a metallic echo when doors closed, the Land Cruiser's construction and materials exuded quality.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS, part of the third-generation X167 series, underwent significant changes for the year. The new front end featured headlights with three-pointed star elements and a grille adorned with miniature stars, creating a striking visual. The star motif continued at the rear with new taillights. The GLS lineup included the six-cylinder GLS 450 4Matic, V8 GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 680. The facelifted model, with its bold design, aimed to stand out against competitors like the Escalade and Range Rover. Inside, the GLS boasted a Superscreen display spanning the dashboard, offering a bold yet not entirely charming experience. The interior retained its high level of fit and finish, with standard leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, shared with the 4Runner and Tacoma. This system combined a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive were standard, along with a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg on premium fuel, though our test vehicle averaged 20.3 mpg during a heat wave and 18.1 mpg on a mountainous route. The Land Cruiser featured off-road capabilities like center and locking rear differentials, hill-start and hill-descent assist, and Crawl Control. Ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 32, 22, and 23 degrees, respectively. The higher-spec model offered additional features like Multi-Terrain Select modes and a surround-view camera system. Despite its 5,445-pound weight, the i-Force Max powertrain provided adequate power, though it wasn't particularly quick. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, easily navigating challenging trails. In daily driving, it offered a rugged ride, absorbing bumps and handling urban infrastructure well. However, wind noise was noticeable on highways, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered updated powertrains for improved responsiveness and reduced noise. All models featured an integrated starter/generator electric motor, nine-speed automatic transmissions, and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS 450 had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, with a 0–60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The GLS 580 boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 680 used a higher-output version of the V8, with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The AMG model reached 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Our test GLS 580 impressed with its V8's quick acceleration and signature bassy rumble. The optional E-Active Body Control system provided a smooth ride, counteracting pitch and roll. It also offered load leveling, off-road height adjustment, and a bouncing feature for getting unstuck.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's 1958 model featured basic amenities like manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery. The higher trim level offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wrapped in SofTex artificial leather. Our test vehicle included the Premium Package, adding genuine leather, memory settings, heated and ventilated rear seats, and a power sunroof. The Land Cruiser accommodated up to five people comfortably, with no third-row seat option. Storage was mixed, with a small center console cool box and cupholders unable to hold larger bottles. The upper trim level had a power liftgate, providing access to 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 82.2 cubic feet. However, the high liftover height and lack of a flat surface made loading bulky items challenging.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS was a six-seater by default, with an option to convert to a seven-seater. It offered ample headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom comparable to larger SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade. The front seats were comfortable, though tall drivers might struggle to find an ideal driving position. The center console's large grab handles blocked controls, and the sun visors were ineffective against side glare. The optional Executive Rear Seat Package Plus added massaging seats, remote controls, sun blinds, and a large center armrest. The third row included USB ports and heated seats, with an available five-zone climate control system. Access to the third row was facilitated by a power-sliding second row, and the power tailgate provided access to 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84.7 cubic feet. The GLS had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, with an optional trailer-backup assist system.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 came with a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The higher trim level featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger displays, wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Toyota Connected Services. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. Five connected service plans were available, with complimentary subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it lacked a home screen with different data panels. The Intelligent Assistant worked well, except for occasional misinterpretations.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS introduced the Superscreen, a dashboard-spanning housing with three 12.3-inch screens. The MBUX infotainment system, based on Mercedes' MB.OS operating system, offered a familiar interface with widgets over a map view and a conventional icon layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained, and the voice recognition system received AI enhancements. The front-passenger screen could display videos and basic games, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added 11.6-inch screens. The GLS also offered a 15-speaker Burmester audio system, with a 26-speaker option available. Other tech options included a head-up display and digital-key functionality.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included high-beam assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors with automatic low-speed braking. It also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs, though it could be overly aggressive. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe-exit assist system. The Premium Package added lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and Traffic Jam Assist. The NHTSA gave the Land Cruiser an overall safety rating of four stars, with mixed ratings from the IIHS.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard driver-assistance features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality was also standard. Optional features included steering assist, lane-change assist, parking assist, and a surround-view camera system. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system minimized injury potential in collisions, while Pre-Safe Sound played "pink noise" to prevent hearing loss. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.