2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was an adequate-looking vehicle, though it didn't quite match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors. The exterior design, while promising with its aggressive nose and sloping hood, fell short past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like appearance, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in BMW, Audi, or Jaguar SUVs. Even in AMG trim, the GLE struggled to compete visually with the likes of the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes made significant improvements, creating a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures. The red and black interior was both loud and luxurious, surpassing even Porsche and Audi in opulence. The twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede made the interior a delight to touch and operate, despite some flimsy gear selectors and turn signal stalks.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to change the perception of minivans with a more SUV-like appearance. The wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and alloy wheels added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, creating a comfortable and uncluttered dashboard. The seating position was higher than a sedan's, offering a pleasant ride. The center console was practical, with a gear selector lever, multiple cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with its complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort, while the GLE 450 featured self-leveling air springs. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems offered advanced handling capabilities, including the ability to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it wasn't as thrilling as expected. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered more power with twin-turbo V8 engines. All GLE models, except the base GLE 350, were hybrids, featuring a 48-volt battery system that provided additional horsepower and torque. Fuel efficiency varied, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg and the GLE 350 4Matic at 19/26/22 mpg. The GLE 350 had 255 hp, while the GLE 450 had 362 hp, and the AMG GLE 53 reached 429 hp. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The CVT's performance was smooth but lacked excitement. The Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious two-row seating, with an optional third row for seven passengers. The second-row seats had power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, and a button allowed easy access to the third row. The Coupe version seated five but had limited rear space due to its sloping roofline and large rear tires. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe had 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls, rocker switches, and driving mode shortcuts were user-friendly, though the thumbpads on the steering wheel were less intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and functionality. It featured a standard third row, which easily stored away into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin had ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system included a touchpad and thumbpad controls, making it easier to use over time. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. Seat Kinetics adjusted the seat position during drives, and the system set the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel based on the driver's height. Additional features included perfume canisters, Energizing Comfort with spa music, heated armrests, and automatic bolsters. The head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, and the ambient lighting had 64 colors. The navigation system projected front camera feed with overlay arrows, and the voice assistant responded to "Mercedes." The GLE offered semi-automated functionality, including lane changes and curve slowing.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Standard connectivity included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect trials. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and surround sound. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The driver had access to a multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models offered a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring top ratings in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. Pre-Safe Sound played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side inflated side bolsters for better positioning in a side impact. The brakes primed the calipers closer to the discs, and stability control compensated for crosswinds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included 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 for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system was standard, as was a tire pressure monitoring system. The spare tire location was changed for safety and convenience. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.