2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its promise, often fell short in terms of exterior design. Its aggressive front end hinted at potential, but past the A-pillar, it became reminiscent of its predecessors, lacking the striking proportions of its competitors. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it struggled to compete visually with rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a luxurious and cohesive design with high-quality materials and a vibrant color scheme. The GLE's interior was a testament to Mercedes' attention to detail, offering a sense of opulence that rivaled even the most prestigious brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly in its Heritage Edition, exuded a rugged charm with its Midnight Black exterior, bronze BBS wheels, and retro badges. The standard model, however, appeared more subdued, with a design that some might find reminiscent of an upgraded first-generation Highlander. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and a somewhat dated design. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with plush leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. Despite its old-school charm, the Land Cruiser's interior felt like a step back in time, lacking the modern flair of its competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255-horsepower engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 horsepower, and the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S delivered 483 and 603 horsepower, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the SUV to maneuver like a smaller vehicle. Despite its hybrid setup, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, offered a smooth and quiet ride. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system provided impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select system ensured optimal traction on various surfaces. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser's fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging 14.7 mpg. On-road, the Land Cruiser delivered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight was evident in its handling.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats. Cargo space was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with intuitive controls and a simplified interface.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a luxurious interior with premium leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The three-row seating configuration provided ample space, with the third row accommodating adults if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 82.8 cubic feet with the second row down. The Land Cruiser's interior, while comfortable, felt dated compared to its competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. The GLE offered a range of comfort features, including heated armrests and a natural voice assistant. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was more basic, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacking swipe and scroll functionality. The system ran on Toyota's Entune technology, which felt outdated for a vehicle in this price range. The Land Cruiser did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it included Siri Eyes Free and a three-month SiriusXM subscription. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was also dated, lacking streaming capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced protection in a collision.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping. The Land Cruiser's safety features were adequate but not as comprehensive as those of its competitors.