2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. At first glance, it presented a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel housing the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors sculpted to bulge over the rear wheels. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. From the rear, the Sienna managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The center console featured a gear selector lever, cup holders, 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 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, despite initial skepticism about its SUV coupe design, managed to impress with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork. The vehicle's athletic sneaker-like appearance from a front three-quarter perspective was a unique touch. Mercedes had shelved many V8-powered models for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with a base price of $77,800. Our test vehicle, loaded with options, pushed the MSRP to over $100,000.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was as luxurious as expected, with high-end materials and a high-tech appearance thanks to its dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim added a touch of elegance. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design masked the vehicle's complexity, with a lack of traditional controls making it initially challenging to use. However, with time, drivers acclimated to the technology.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. Four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered varying levels of performance.

Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy numbers: 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine included EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, with our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg.

The AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG sport exhaust system enhanced performance. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further maximized performance. The GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made urban driving and parking easier, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a comfortable ride on highways.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. 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 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically held up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Forward visibility was fine, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. Available comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Standard connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including 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, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe included forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was highly effective, and the adaptive cruise control's route-based speed adaptation function could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.