2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly larger than the GLA but just a bit smaller than the GLC. Despite these distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's attractive, athletic stance was enhanced by its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details on the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen was elegant and attractive. The cabin boasted Mercedes-Benz's excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel featuring perforated leather grips adding to the premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in the crowded midsize SUV market with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a bold front end, while the character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, added a touch of sportiness. The taillights, inspired by Lexus models, contributed to the Highlander's upscale appearance. Overall, the 2021 Highlander looked longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size.

For 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim level, which featured a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a unique front fascia and lower spoiler. However, the XSE's sportier appearance did not translate to significant performance enhancements. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered chrome roof rails and accents, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Highlander Limited's near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and dark brown trim with wood details created a luxurious environment. The Highlander excelled in comfort and convenience, essential for a family car.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while the 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD version and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the AWD version.

Built on a FWD platform, the GLB offered 4MATIC AWD for better handling and driving feel. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension and 8.0 x 18-inch wheels provided a smooth ride. With a curb weight ranging from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, the GLB delivered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. For those seeking more performance, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV trimmed the 0-60 time to 5.1 seconds. The 4MATIC version, with its Off-Road Engineering Package, offered better handling in various conditions and was worth the extra cost.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. While the Highlander Hybrid was available as a separate model, the standard V6 powertrain provided smooth and predictable performance, suitable for family use.

The Highlander's powertrain was competitive within its segment, offering similar horsepower and torque levels to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Although it didn't excel in drag races, the Highlander provided adequate power for highway merging and daily driving. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, including higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row GLB models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use.

Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The third row's modest legroom and headroom made it suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. The front row offered comfortable, highly adjustable seats with available heating and ventilation, while the second row provided ample comfort for two adults.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and functionality. The front seats featured large shelves for cell phones and a pass-through for charging cords. Higher trims included a wireless charging pad within the center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to balance space between the middle and third rows. While the third row could accommodate adults, it required some compromise from second-row passengers.

Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, enough for small trips. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 48.4 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows provided 84.3 cubic feet of space. The Highlander's cargo capacity was competitive within its segment, although it couldn't match the volume offered by minivans. The rear-seat climate control air vents were positioned on the ceiling, which some passengers might find less convenient.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, even as an entry-level model. The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system featured voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, along with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. Standard features included a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Burmester Surround Sound System enhanced audio quality. The Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation integrated graphical instructions and traffic information into live images, providing a more intuitive navigation experience. Additional options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, but navigation was an optional feature. While the navigation system worked well for specific addresses, it struggled with points of interest that Google Maps handled easily. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard across the lineup.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the test car was bright, crisp, and responsive. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though not exceptional. The system included a volume knob and a tuning knob, but only certain apps utilized the full width of the screen. Navigation was limited to an 8-inch rectangle, raising questions about the value of the larger screen.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB benefited from Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety innovation. Standard safety features included active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound.

Pre-Safe activated safety measures in the cabin when an imminent rear collision was detected, while Pre-Safe Sound emitted an interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the ear, potentially reducing hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. Intersection support recognized when an oncoming vehicle was about to make a left-hand turn and could engage the automatic emergency braking system if necessary. Additional safety features included road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams.

The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Highlander five out of five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.