2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic experience with its Heritage Edition trim. This version celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with a classic design, featuring bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less striking, with Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was adorned with oversized headlights and taillights, and a chrome-heavy finish. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design elements, offering high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a trip back in time, with a mix of nostalgia and modern luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a more contemporary and athletic aesthetic. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. The GLE 53 Coupe, priced at $77,800, offered a high-tech interior with dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment, Nappa leather, and ambient lighting. The cabin's design masked its complexity, with a lack of traditional controls, but once acclimated, the technology was intuitive. The GLE Coupe's interior was luxurious, with a focus on comfort and style, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern and sophisticated SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin experience. The SUV averaged 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's 14 mpg rating. An 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 featured a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of off-road technologies like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. Its suspension system, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), ensured maximum wheel articulation. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, emphasizing its rugged capabilities.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost mild-hybrid system enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, achieving 18.5 mpg in testing. The GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Its AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for spirited driving. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and performance brakes contributed to a nimble and composed ride. In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver. On challenging roads, the SUV's performance-oriented features shone, providing impressive grip and braking capabilities. The GLE Coupe delivered a dynamic driving experience, with a balance of comfort and performance.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while luxurious, was somewhat dated. It featured plush leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat offered ample space and comfort, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seat, though accommodating adults, lacked leg support for long trips. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access, and the lower tailgate served as a practical seating area.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though four was more comfortable. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet. The GLE Coupe included comfort upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the luxurious experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology, lacking modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system required tapping rather than swiping, and its voice recognition was basic. The Land Cruiser included a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, though it was outdated and lacked streaming capabilities. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality, but it fell short compared to high-end systems in other SUVs.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came equipped with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video navigation, and an upgraded Burmester 3D audio system. The GLE Coupe's technology was advanced and intuitive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a robust safety package with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the Land Cruiser lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique features like Pre Safe Sound and Emergency Call Service added to its safety credentials. The optional Driver Assistance Package included 15 additional systems, such as Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and effective, though crash-test results were unavailable. The standard GLE received top safety ratings, suggesting a high level of protection.