2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements became more appreciated over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were practical, enhancing the driver's forward sight lines. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a more polarizing exterior design. While its aggressive nose and sloping hood promised a dynamic look, the rest of the vehicle felt less cohesive. The GLE Coupe, in particular, struggled with proportions, especially when compared to rivals like the BMW X5. However, the interior was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The center console featured twin arching grab handles with LED lighting, and the cabin was filled with premium materials like wood, metal, and leather. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of opulence and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its capability and confidence, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control, allowing it to tackle various terrains with ease. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, it was well-suited for overlanding adventures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe featuring an electric supercharger and a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The GLE's advanced air suspension system, including E-Active Body Control, allowed for impressive handling and ride comfort. The GLE 450 returned a fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the AMG GLE 53 averaged 16 mpg. The GLE's towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds was notable, and its driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and impressive agility for a vehicle of its size.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its exterior and interior features. It came with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack, making it suitable for both urban and off-road environments. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser's interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. Its split tailgate design added a touch of retro charm and practicality for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was primarily a two-row SUV, with an optional third row for seating up to seven passengers. The Coupe variant, however, was limited to five seats. The GLE offered ample cargo space, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The GLE's interior featured the MBUX infotainment system, seat controls on the doors, and rocker switches for suspension settings. The Coupe's rear doors were narrow, making entry and exit challenging, especially with its large rear tires.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, despite its aging platform, featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface, while functional, felt small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system provided selectable views for navigating challenging terrain or tight parking spaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control and customizable shortcuts. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE offered a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a head-up display with multiple configurations. The ambient lighting featured 64 colors, and the navigation system projected front camera feeds with overlay arrows. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a natural voice assistant, enhanced the GLE's tech offerings. The semi-automated functionality included lane changes and curve adjustments, showcasing the GLE's advanced technology.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust body structure and curb weight provided a sense of security. It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser also had 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, along with Safety Connect for emergency assistance and collision notification.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. It featured blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and optional adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash, while Pre-Safe Impulse Side inflated seat bolsters for side impact protection. The brakes primed for sudden stops, and stability control compensated for crosswinds, enhancing the GLE's safety credentials.