2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Overview | |
MSRP$54,750 | MSRP$35,855 |
Listings327 | Listings247 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews SummaryRedesigned for 2020, the GLE-Class is the second-most-popular Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. It's a midsize luxury SUV in every traditional sense, but because Mercedes has way too much time and money to develop cars, the newest GLE has comfort and technology that border on ridiculous. The GLE Coupe models are brand-new for 2021 and among the strangest vehicles on the planet. Among the eight variants of this big Benz, at least one might fit your lifestyle, if not your budget. | |
2022 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryIf you have a family and need a spacious, three-row vehicle to haul around the kids and all their gear, the choices can seem overwhelming. This includes SUVs and minivans. There are also a lot of gimmicks, like built-in vacuums and intercom systems—as if yelling back to the third row isn’t the least bit satisfying. The 2022 Toyota Highlander might be guilty of offering some of these gimmicks, but where it really shines is by covering the basics. This three-row midsize SUV offers tons of versatility, a stout V6 engine, and it comes standard with safety features buyers are looking for. There is a wide range of trims, features, and prices that make up the Highlander lineup. Depending on your needs and budget, there might be an ideal setup for your family. Read on to learn more about the Highlander and where it stacks up in an all-important family-hauling vehicle segment. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway26 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway26 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity8 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space33.3 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight4608 lbs | Curb Weight4145 lbs |
Height70.7 in | Height68.1 in |
Length194.3 in | Length194.9 in |
Width84.9 in | Width76.0 in |
Wheelbase117.9 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5950 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $54,750 | $35,855 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Redesigned for 2020, the GLE-Class is the second-most-popular Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. It's a midsize luxury SUV in every traditional sense, but because Mercedes has way too much time and money to develop cars, the newest GLE has comfort and technology that border on ridiculous. The GLE Coupe models are brand-new for 2021 and among the strangest vehicles on the planet. Among the eight variants of this big Benz, at least one might fit your lifestyle, if not your budget. | If you have a family and need a spacious, three-row vehicle to haul around the kids and all their gear, the choices can seem overwhelming. This includes SUVs and minivans. There are also a lot of gimmicks, like built-in vacuums and intercom systems—as if yelling back to the third row isn’t the least bit satisfying. The 2022 Toyota Highlander might be guilty of offering some of these gimmicks, but where it really shines is by covering the basics. This three-row midsize SUV offers tons of versatility, a stout V6 engine, and it comes standard with safety features buyers are looking for. There is a wide range of trims, features, and prices that make up the Highlander lineup. Depending on your needs and budget, there might be an ideal setup for your family. Read on to learn more about the Highlander and where it stacks up in an all-important family-hauling vehicle segment. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 26 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 26 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 33.3 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4608 lbs | 4145 lbs |
Height | 70.7 in | 68.1 in |
Length | 194.3 in | 194.9 in |
Width | 84.9 in | 76.0 in |
Wheelbase | 117.9 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1685 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5950 lbs | 5000 lbs |
The GLE-Class is described as an OK-looking vehicle, with an exterior that has a promise of something great but falls short in comparison to its rivals. However, the interior has been significantly improved, offering a high-quality, well-designed, and spacious cabin.
The Highlander boasts a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design and a spacious interior with clever storage solutions. It offers a range of trims with varying features, including unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.















The GLE excels as a multi-purpose vehicle, featuring a complex suspension and engine setup, with various suspension configurations and hybrid options. It offers exceptional driving dynamics, towing capacity, and ride quality.
The Highlander is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing ample power for everyday driving. It offers good handling, a sport-tuned suspension, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
The GLE offers a roomy two-row SUV with an optional third row, providing ample cargo space and advanced usability features. The new MBUX infotainment system enhances the overall user experience.
The Highlander provides up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third-row seats folded, along with numerous storage compartments and thoughtful interior design.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 10 out of 10 for technology, and the 2022 Toyota Highlander 8 out of 10.
The GLE features a sophisticated 12-inch touchscreen display with advanced gesture controls, MBUX infotainment system, and a wide array of electronic features and driver aids.
The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa support, along with available features such as a wireless charging pad and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.
The GLE offers top safety ratings, standard driver-assistance features, and a wide range of optional safety technologies, including semi-automated control and advanced crash protection systems.
The Highlander comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features, with additional safety options available on higher trims.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Highlander scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Toyota Highlander emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on practicality, cost-effectiveness, and a versatile range of features.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Highlander if:
- You value practicality, cost-effectiveness, and a versatile interior with ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a reliable and efficient SUV with a comprehensive set of standard and available safety features.
- You prefer a range of trims and options to tailor the vehicle to your specific needs and budget.
Choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE if:
- You prioritize advanced technology, luxurious interior, and top-notch safety features.
- You seek exceptional driving performance, towing capability, and a range of hybrid options.
- You are willing to invest in a sophisticated and prestigious SUV with a spacious and well-designed cabin.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Highlander scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Toyota Highlander emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on practicality, cost-effectiveness, and a versatile range of features.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You value practicality, cost-effectiveness, and a versatile interior with ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a reliable and efficient SUV with a comprehensive set of standard and available safety features.
- You prefer a range of trims and options to tailor the vehicle to your specific needs and budget.
Choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE if:
Shop Now- You prioritize advanced technology, luxurious interior, and top-notch safety features.
- You seek exceptional driving performance, towing capability, and a range of hybrid options.
- You are willing to invest in a sophisticated and prestigious SUV with a spacious and well-designed cabin.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.








































