2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's design featured a healthy 7.9 inches of ground clearance, giving it a more forgiving stance for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel with round shapes dominating the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy, perforated leather steering wheel adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines and a higher seating position for a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The center console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility. The Sienna's interior materials and surfaces had a high-quality feel, making it a pleasant place to be.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with 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 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for those who planned to stray from paved roads.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, eliminating mechanical complications. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna Hybrid offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice: whether to add the third-row option. In the five-passenger/two-row configuration, the GLB provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger configuration, cargo space was reduced to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet behind the first row. The third row was best suited for children or brief trips for smaller adults due to its modest legroom and headroom. The front row featured highly adjustable, supportive seats with eight-way power adjustment and three-position memory. Heated and ventilated seats, as well as a heated steering wheel, were available. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, making it easy to access the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible cargo space. Nominal cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, responding to kick motions for easy access.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display, keyless go, and an upgraded Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Advanced 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 Sienna Hybrid featured a nine-inch touchscreen standard on all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. Standard connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect (on XLE and above), a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect with up to 2 GB of data. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on all models. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo on LE to a Premium Audio + JBL package on Limited and Platinum, with 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system was available on XLE and above, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) on Platinum models. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on XLE and above.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features like 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 Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, reducing hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system standard. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire. The 2021 Sienna had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 model received high ratings from both organizations.