2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices for both exterior and interior customization, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to the price. It featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and bronze badges. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020. The 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe with its groovy stripes and bronze wheels. The interior, while purposeful, had plenty of plastic but felt solid and of quality. The controls were easy to locate and use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design and stance gave it an enduring appeal, reminiscent of truck-based SUVs of the past.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit different preferences, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with AMG-badged models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, and it could operate as an EV on the highway at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system available on the Limited trim. The EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, and the 40 ASE averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner had a minimum ground clearance of nine inches and came with off-roading technologies like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had suspensions designed for on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims focused on off-road capabilities. The 4Runner excelled in off-roading but had some flaws as a daily driver, including leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a skittish ride on larger bumps.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel. Outward visibility was excellent, and the rear-facing cameras were a helpful addition. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, providing excellent flow-through ventilation. The 4Runner's seats were comfortable, with the 40 ASE featuring SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. The second-row seating area offered good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area had several storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet. With the third-row seat, cargo space was limited to 9 cubic feet, but without it, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel could be accidentally activated, causing the music volume to increase unexpectedly.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, unlike newer Toyota models. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's Toyota Safety Sense suite included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.