2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted appearance compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and removal of most edges and scalloping contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, resulting in a handsome, if unoffensive, vehicle. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle. The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included numerous options, such as black leather upholstery, a cabin air purifier, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and a Burmester stereo, bringing the total price to $78,370. Despite the extensive list of features, some options like heated and cooled cupholders and soft-close doors seemed excessive. The Acoustic Comfort Package, however, was well worth the $1,100, providing a quieter cabin experience. The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation since 2011, felt dated despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel also appeared outdated, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna was available in multiple trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each offering various features. The base L trim included 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The mid-range SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, heated front seats, and leather upholstery, along with a power rear liftgate. The Limited trim added leather front seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The Sienna also offered a Nightshade Edition with dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing a "cool" look. Despite its dated feel, the Sienna provided practical features and a range of trims to suit different needs.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while smooth and powerful at speed, suffered from noticeable turbo lag from a stop, likely due to the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as refined as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive, achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, though the BMW X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine. The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna's Sport mode enhanced throttle and shift response, providing stout acceleration and aiding in overtaking on the highway. The Sienna also offered AWD on all trims except the base L, making it the only minivan in its class with this option. The FWD Sienna achieved 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the configuration, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 79.4 cubic feet available with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, though the lumbar support was tricky to adjust. The steering wheel, while chunky and pleasant to hold, often blocked parts of the screen, requiring constant head movement to see the display. The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than its competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than with a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such capabilities.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which, while initially daunting, became intuitive with use. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive HUD, offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system, though less effective in the GLE than in the A-Class, was a notable feature. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's, though it still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by road conditions. The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice, a useful feature for families.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to reduce driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were less reliable at high speeds, often causing the vehicle to sway within the lane and get confused by road conditions. The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from IIHS in several areas. The suite of standard driver-assistance features also received a Superior rating from IIHS.