2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz 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 striking. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from a front three-quarter perspective, the vehicle's design was generally well-received. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze 17-inch wheels. The 40 ASE had a nostalgic appeal with its yellow, orange, and red stripes, and a strong SoCal vibe. The interior, while practical and solid, was covered in plastic but offered easy-to-use controls. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs of the past, providing an enduring appeal. The 40 ASE's black artificial leather interior and bronze stitching added a touch of uniqueness to the otherwise utilitarian cabin.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. 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, while our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization and AMG Performance brakes enhanced the vehicle's performance.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made maneuvering easy, and the turning radius was tighter than expected. However, the optional AMG Performance braking system made smooth stops challenging. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension effectively handled speed humps but was less forgiving on rougher terrain. The GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed in various driving conditions, with a reserve of performance available when needed. In Sport+ mode, the SUV excelled on challenging roads, while Sport mode provided a more rewarding driving experience on less demanding stretches.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 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, with optional 4WD systems available. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner offered a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies depending on the trim level. These included locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select.

Off-roading in the 4Runner was impressive, with the vehicle handling thick mud and standing water with ease. However, in urban settings, the 4Runner's performance was less stellar. Acceleration was leisurely, the brake pedal was inconsistent, and the steering was heavy and slow. The 4Runner's ride could be unsettled over larger bumps, and its high ground clearance made it prone to skittering. Despite these flaws, the 4Runner provided a sense of invincibility, though it was important to recognize its limitations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe technically seated up to 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, making them comfortable for long drives and supportive during spirited driving. Forward visibility was good, 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, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, which, combined with the sunroof and automatic windows, provided excellent flow-through ventilation. Climbing into the 4Runner required some effort, especially for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable once inside. The 40 ASE test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The 4Runner offered numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up valuable cargo space. The cargo area featured several storage cubbies, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and an optional sliding floor for easier loading and unloading. With the third-row seat, cargo space was limited to 9 cubic feet, but without it, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with beautifully rendered graphics, logical menu structures, and multiple interaction methods. The natural voice recognition technology was particularly impressive, though the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Several connected services plans were available, 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 multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition performed well, though it struggled with specific commands and could not control the manual heating and air conditioning system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing, and the Emergency Call Service was available for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was particularly 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 the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including 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 all trim levels. The adaptive cruise control performed well, though it was slow to accelerate after lane changes. The lane-departure warning could be turned off if it became irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection in frontal-impact collisions and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the 4Runner a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.