2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided the ostentatious grilles seen on models like the BMW X7, opting for a more subtle design. However, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality feel without being overly fragile.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a bold design that combined the rugged look of the Toyota Tundra with a newly styled SUV body. The Sequoia's interior shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the Capstone's interior was available in a luxurious two-tone color scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia's design was more about presence and personal preference, with a focus on practicality and capability.

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 delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth performance, and the electric assist was seamlessly integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain that produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Sequoia to tow up to 9,520 pounds, a significant improvement over the previous model. The new Sequoia was also more fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the suspension could be busy and jittery in Normal mode, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight spaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward to increase legroom, and the GLS offered competitive interior space. Cargo capacity was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate, making loading and unloading cargo easy. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with comfortable front seats, a premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The second-row captain’s chairs did not slide, limiting flexibility for third-row passengers. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet available with the third-row seat in its rearmost position. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, with a maximum cargo capacity of 86.9 cubic feet, significantly less than its predecessor and rivals.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, which was the easiest to use. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was intuitive and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally misinterpreted requests. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display, but it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The Sequoia also included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. However, many advanced driver-assistance features were optional, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included all available driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Tundra, on which the Sequoia is based, received high ratings from the IIHS.