2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the Sienna's debut in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, aimed to blend SUV styling with minivan functionality. It featured a bold front end, re-engineered sliding doors, and an assertive profile with wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and cleverly designed cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a versatile third-row bench that folded into the floor.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered FWD or 4Matic AWD, while the AMG GLB35 boasted a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The AMG GLB35 featured a starting price of $51,000, with options pushing the total to $57,250. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle, vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The interior, however, was a highlight, with high-definition displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. The controls required some acclimation, and the quality was evident, though road noise was an issue with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna Hybrid's EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models getting 35 mpg city/highway/combined. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in both versions. The AMG GLB35 was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the GLB250's turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 also had an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, compared to the GLB250's 6.9 seconds. The AMG GLB35's EPA fuel economy rating was 22 mpg combined, while the GLB250 4Matic achieved 25 mpg combined. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with an AMG High-Performance Braking System, AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension, and Direct Steer. However, it sacrificed daily-driving comfort, with firm ride quality and noticeable road noise.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, 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 60/40-split third-row bench stored easily into the floor, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a relatively roomy interior for a small SUV, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with simulated leather upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults, with an optional third-row seat reducing storage space. The power rear liftgate revealed a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered 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 with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. The natural voice recognition and digital assistant worked well, and the navigation system's augmented reality technology was particularly impressive.

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 Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package required the Premium and Multimedia packages, making it a costly addition. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.