2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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 focus 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, embraced an SUV-like style without hiding its minivan roots. Its design featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch wheels standard on base models, and up to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third row that could easily store away.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle, less flashy look compared to its luxury SUV counterparts like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The GLS 450's design was confident without being gaudy, avoiding the oversized grilles seen on some competitors. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The interior of the GLS 450, 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.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA platform's front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth performance, while the air suspension offered adjustable ride height and impact negation. However, the suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as 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 away easily, and all rows featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version offered 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. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading, and power-folding seats and a power tailgate added convenience. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped 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 trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A head-up display was available on Platinum trims, and a digital rearview mirror was optional on Limited and Platinum models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, responding to the prompt “Hey Mercedes.” However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and difficult to use. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature found in the S-Class sedan, and the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

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 featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space wall for safety and convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features like 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 IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.