2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 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 unique dimensions, distinguishing the GLB from its siblings required a closer look at the tailgate badge. The GLB boasted a sleek, athletic design with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more versatile for various terrains. Inside, the GLB featured a modern, stylish cabin with round shapes and polished metal details, including a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, aimed to blend minivan practicality with SUV styling. It featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive profile. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, providing easy access to the third row. The third-row bench folded flat into the floor, enhancing cargo flexibility. The Sienna's interior was spacious and well-equipped, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. 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 provided better handling and off-road capabilities, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth power delivery and four selectable drive modes. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined for FWD and 35 mpg city/36 mpg highway/35 mpg combined for AWD.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between two-row and three-row configurations. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. The three-row version included an "Easy-Entry" function for the second row and a retractable third row. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet behind the first row in the two-row model. The three-row model offered 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 front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo and passenger space, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The second-row seats could slide to accommodate various cargo configurations, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench folded easily into the floor, and each row featured ample storage and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. Optional features included a Burmester Surround Sound System, augmented reality navigation, adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna came with a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch head-up display. The Limited and Platinum models could also be equipped with a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and 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 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. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available as an option.