2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 sophisticated AWD system. This year, the GLB saw a few updates, such as satellite radio becoming part of the Premium Package and the introduction of the AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges. The starting price for the GLB250 was $38,600, excluding a $1,050 destination charge. Our test vehicle, an AMG GLB35, started at $51,000 and included options that brought the total to $57,250.

The GLB's design was polarizing, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. Despite its boxy appearance, the AMG GLB35's 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added some style. The interior was beautifully crafted, featuring high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. However, the controls required some acclimation, and the road noise was notably loud, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The GLB's quality was evident, but it might disappoint those expecting a traditional luxury vehicle experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level. It added $4,505 to the SR5 Premium's price, with $1,875 covering the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 bought retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. The 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 2023 4Runner lineup included several trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. Our 40 ASE test vehicle had no options and an MSRP of $48,455.

The 40 ASE's retro design elements, such as yellow, orange, and red stripes, gave it a strong SoCal vibe. The fifth-generation 4Runner's truck-based SUV look and stance provided enduring appeal. The interior was purposeful, with plenty of plastic but a solid feel. The controls were easy to locate and use, even with gloves. The 4Runner's design and features made it a practical and appealing choice for those who appreciated its retro charm and functionality.

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 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It also had Dynamic Cornering Assist and various driving mode settings.

The AMG GLB35 could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than the GLB250. The EPA fuel economy rating for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, while the GLB250 4Matic achieved 25 mpg. Our testing loop averaged 21.8 mpg. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride, some throttle lag, and a slightly confused DCT. The performance brakes were grabby in urban settings, and the ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. However, the AMG GLB35 was a blast to drive on twisty roads, offering excellent grip, nimble handling, and responsive brakes.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a 4.0-liter V6 engine making 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system for the Limited trim. The EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, and we averaged 16.9 mpg in the 40 ASE.

The 4Runner had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. Various trims offered specific ride and handling enhancements. The 4Runner excelled off-road, handling mud and water with ease. However, it was less impressive as a daily driver, with leisurely acceleration, a light-switch-like brake pedal, heavy and slow steering, and a tendency to lose composure over larger bumps. Despite its flaws, the 4Runner provided a sense of invincibility and was more at home in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, offering 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, with optional real leather. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The GLB's interior featured a 64-color ambient lighting system.

Getting in and out of the GLB was easy, and the driver and front passenger had an excellent view. Storage was decent, but a small tray on the dashboard was missing. The rear doors opened wide, revealing comfortable seating for two adults. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space and was suitable only for children. The GLB had a power rear liftgate, revealing a 22 cubic-foot cargo area that could hold four full-size suitcases. Folding the second-row seat flat increased cargo space to 62 cubic feet.

One of the favorite features of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was its back window, which powered down into the tailgate. Lowering it, opening the sunroof, and dropping all four windows provided an immersive driving experience. Climbing into the 4Runner required some effort for shorter people, but the seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE had SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions, while the Limited offered heated and ventilated leather seats.

The 4Runner had numerous storage locations, but many lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, decent headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. The tailgate revealed a bumper that doubled as a seat, with several storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The cargo area offered 46.3 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seat, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

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. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package equipped the GLB with a navigation system with augmented reality.

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. The MBUX system could be controlled 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.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information center. The largest infotainment display was an 8-inch touchscreen. The 4Runner's interior featured real knobs and buttons, making it easy to use even with gloves. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Several connected services plans were available, with complimentary trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed the radio station, navigation map, and phone contacts. The voice recognition performed well, handling most commands accurately. However, it could not find reggae music or change the cabin temperature due to the manual heating and air conditioning controls.

Despite a price tag nearing $58,000, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not have the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. Missing features included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner's Toyota Safety Sense menu included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on every trim level. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.