2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly dramatic. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to maintain a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the vehicle was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. The Sienna's design included a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a cleaner look. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and power-operated sliding doors and tailgate. The Sienna's cabin avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a more refined and uncluttered environment.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured 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, though our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe came with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes and an AMG sport exhaust system. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and performance brakes contributed to a nimble and composed driving experience, though the SUV's size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 model, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The TNGA platform's suspension and steering offered better-than-expected handling for a minivan, and the EPA rated the FWD Sienna at 36 mpg combined, with AWD models achieving 35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe could technically seat five people, but it was more comfortable for four, especially if the rear passengers were adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included heated rear seats, a four-zone climate control system, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came standard 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. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a head-up display. The digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System added further convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though the route-based speed adaptation function could be irritating. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available for added convenience.