2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more understated and less ostentatious appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided the gaudy grilles seen on the BMW X7 and Lexus LX, opting for a more refined look. However, other GLS models like the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600 offered more visual drama with features such as flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach version was particularly flashy with chrome accents and massive 23-inch wheels.

Inside, the GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated under one piece of glass, framed nicely by the upright dashboard. Despite some ergonomic issues, the GLS 450's interior felt high-quality and appropriate for a luxury SUV, even if it was a bit too subdued for some tastes.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and the upward kick of the third-row window gave it a more compact appearance. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions for items like iPads and juice boxes. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander came in various trims, each adding more features and luxury. The base L trim included essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims like the Limited and Platinum offered premium features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and a JBL premium audio system. The Highlander's interior was practical and spacious, especially with second-row captain's chairs, though the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor in short bursts. The GLS 450 also featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

Despite the absence of a V8 engine, the six-cylinder provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the GLS 450's air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height and absorbing impacts, exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. This detracted from the overall comfort and luxury expected from a vehicle in this class.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander offered standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, with various drive modes for different conditions. The V6 engine provided decent pickup, especially at highway speeds, and delivered a surprisingly throaty exhaust note.

The Highlander's handling was commendable, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reducing body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was average for its class, and had a maximum payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a seven-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide as one piece to increase legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Loading and unloading cargo was made easy with one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate. The air suspension could also lower the vehicle for easier access. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some interior features, like the grab handles, seemed unnecessary.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat folding and pull-straps for lifting the third-row seats. Higher trims included a power liftgate, with hands-free operation available on the Limited and Platinum trims.

The Highlander's interior was practical, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage trays, and a spacious center console. The XSE trim's second-row captain’s chairs provided a center aisle to the third row, which was more suitable for children or short trips for adults.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was also standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The MBUX system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen itself. The voice recognition system was the most user-friendly, understanding normal speech well. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and difficult to use. The graphics on both the touchscreen and instrument cluster were impressive, though the navigation system had some issues with route accuracy.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel screen, and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

The Highlander's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a blend of screens and hard controls that made it easy to use. The wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports added to the convenience, though the larger touchscreen was not as intuitive as the base version.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features as standard. This suite comprised forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights.

The Highlander's lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were very active, sometimes overly so, making them feel intrusive on certain roads. However, the overall safety features provided a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers.