2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted into the automaker's SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC. It came in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 featured front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 had a more powerful drivetrain, including a more sophisticated AWD system. This year, a handful of changes were in store, such as satellite radio being part of the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and black badges. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250 with FWD, excluding the $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle arrived in AMG GLB35 spec, starting at $51,000 (including destination). Options included metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and AMG Drive Unit controls on the steering wheel. The test sample also had both the Premium and Multimedia Packages, bringing the total to $57,250 (including destination). The GLB’s design was an acquired taste, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The interior, however, was beautifully rendered in the Mercedes-Benz tradition, featuring full-color high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, and artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting after dark.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged for the 2021 model year, riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, the same one that formed the basis for several other Toyota and Lexus models. The Venza measured 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with 7.8 inches of ground clearance and a 105.9-inch wheelbase, placing it at the short end of the midsize crossover SUV segment. The Venza had excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could fit comfortably into the Lexus lineup, with a deeply scalloped body side and a tailgate bisected horizontally with a stripe of LED lighting.

Inside, the Venza was similarly Lexus-like, with an elegant interior layout and high-quality materials. The layered dash took advantage of a steep windshield with depth, and the placement of the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen display was just right, at the top of the center stack. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats could accommodate three adults easily.

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. These were gains of 81 hp and 37 lb-ft over the GLB250's turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 had an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. Dynamic Cornering Assist was a brake-based torque vectoring system, and drivers could calibrate the SUV’s dynamic behavior using both the Dynamic Select and the AMG Dynamics mode settings.

According to Mercedes, the AMG GLB35 zoomed to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a full 1.8 seconds quicker than a GLB250. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, down from 25 mpg for the GLB 250 4Matic. We averaged 21.8 mpg on our testing loop, nearly matching the EPA estimate. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. On twisty two-lane roads, the AMG GLB35 was a blast to drive, with excellent grip and responsive handling.

The 2022 Toyota Venza had a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower combined. The Venza balanced electric drive and gas drive for optimum efficiency and performance. Drivers could opt for electric-only (EV) operation for short distances or select among Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery powering the electric motors, while the main charge came from the motor-generator driven by the gas engine.

The Venza was fine to drive, with sprightly performance and agile handling. Sharing a wheelbase with the Camry, it felt similarly maneuverable. The taller body and higher ground clearance didn't encourage aggressive cornering, but the Venza wasn't that kind of vehicle. It was a midsize family hauler and delivered precisely the ride and performance it promised.

Space-constrained urbanites who needed a relatively roomy but small SUV found plenty to like in the Mercedes GLB. This vehicle was designed for comfort and cargo and even offered an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Simulated leather upholstery called MB-Tex was standard, but real leather was available. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were also available.

Getting into and out of the GLB was easy, and both the driver and front passenger had an excellent view out. Storage was decent, but Mercedes missed an opportunity to add a small tray on the dashboard. The rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults, though squeezing a third person in the middle was not recommended. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space underneath the GLB’s cargo floor. A power rear liftgate was standard, revealing a 22 cubic-foot cargo area that could hold four full-size suitcases. Folding the second-row seat flat increased the cargo space to 62 cubic feet.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with two bucket seats in the front row and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. Both rows had good headroom and legroom, with the second row offering 45.2 inches of hip room. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim level. The interior had numerous convenience features, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on XLE and Limited models.

The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack lived beneath the second-row seats and had little impact on cargo capacity. The Venza could hold up to 28.8 cubic feet of luggage behind its second row. With the second row folded flat, up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space opened up. Toyota added sound-blocking and absorbing insulation and body-sealing material throughout the cabin, making the Venza serene and quiet on the road.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB’s high-tech interior featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. In the AMG GLB 35, MBUX included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. All GLB models had standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package equipped the GLB with a navigation system with an augmented reality system.

Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. Mercedes also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an integrated dashcam. MBUX could be interacted with via natural voice recognition, the touchscreen display, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. The natural voice recognition and digital assistant worked well, though the navigation system’s augmented reality technology was especially useful in densely populated areas after dark.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid setup was transparent in operation and required no special attention. The Venza's hybrid system included a Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program that used the navigation system to analyze drivers' habits and behavior to optimize how the hybrid battery got charged. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system worked with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and had Amazon Alexa capability and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Toyota Venza Limited added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Both multimedia setups came with Toyota Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A digital rearview mirror was also available, and a 5-inch instrument cluster display was standard on LE models, while a 7-inch screen was standard on XLE and Limited models.

Despite a price tag closing in on $58,000, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not have the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 desirable driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. The test vehicle did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the standard Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids. TSS 2.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The 2022 Toyota Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.