2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck underpinnings, sharing a close relationship with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice wasn't due to stubbornness; Toyota had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper showcased its adventurous spirit. Inside, the 4Runner's late-2000s dash layout and functional design reminded drivers of its last full redesign in 2009.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, offered a more subtle and less flashy look compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided gaudy grilles, opting for a more refined aesthetic. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and prominent exhaust tips. 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 housed under one piece of glass provided a modern touch.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. While reliable, the V6 felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for a decent jump off the line. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the suspension excelled, effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The GLS 450's six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, less than some competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat, available on select trims, reduced cargo space to 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making stowing items easier. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring 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, with the bench seat sliding fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 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. Mercedes made loading and unloading easy with one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate. The air suspension could lower for easier cargo access.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and benefited from hard buttons and dials, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially for those driving with gloves.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with 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 standard, with a head-up display as an option. Users had multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, steering wheel touchpads, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system, responding to "Hey Mercedes," was the easiest to use. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The TRD Pro also had an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and three stars for rollover testing. It had a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with 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 Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were not available at the time of publication.