2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of style and practicality. Originally known as the GL-Class, it was designed to replace the G-Class but ended up appealing to a different set of customers due to the G-Class's enduring popularity. The GLS featured a more refined and modern design compared to its predecessors, with softened angles and a sleek appearance. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-forward approach. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production in its current form, offered a more traditional and rugged aesthetic. The Heritage Edition trim celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with distinctive styling elements like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima roof storage basket. The standard Land Cruiser, however, presented a more understated appearance with Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design was characterized by large headlights and chrome accents, while the interior combined high-quality materials with a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements. Despite its dated appearance, the Land Cruiser's interior was plush and comfortable, offering a sense of nostalgia with features like a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with the GLS 450's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 stepped up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generated an impressive 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission, it could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. The GLS's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes ensured a smooth and dynamic driving experience, while its E-Active Body Control system provided a composed ride over various road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, offered a more subdued performance. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist system enhanced its off-road prowess, while features like Crawl Control and Off-Road Turn Assist improved maneuverability on challenging terrain. Despite its off-road focus, the Land Cruiser delivered a refined on-road experience, with a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious and luxurious interior with three rows of seating. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including a large center console and spacious in-door bins, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while plush and comfortable, was more traditional in design. It featured premium leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The second-row bench seat offered ample space and comfort, while the third row, though accommodating adults, lacked leg support for longer journeys. The Land Cruiser provided 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate facilitated easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system, with a large touchscreen and a trackpad for easy navigation. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX system included a voice-control feature, activated by saying "Hey Mercedes," allowing for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering a customizable and tech-savvy experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was more basic. Its 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system required tapping rather than swiping, and it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was limited to basic commands, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated, supporting DVDs and game systems via HDMI connections. The Land Cruiser's dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control, while the 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety options included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a surround-view camera system, driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance.