2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough that they might have gone unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared directly with the outgoing model. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance and sportiness. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its 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.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, boxy shape, which was last redesigned in 2010. The flared fenders and rugged design elements like the chunky grille and underbody skid plates gave it a brawny and stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. However, the interior showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology features. The analog instrument panel and small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen felt like a throwback, and the hard plastic materials were more utilitarian than luxurious. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner's interior was practical, with cushioned panels for comfort and excellent outward visibility, making it suitable for off-road enthusiasts.

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, with two additional AMG models, 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 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated electric-only range of 40 miles. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these specs were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner was held back by its five-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, and the engine sounded strained during acceleration. The soft suspension, while great for off-roading, resulted in noticeable body roll and nosedive during hard braking. The 4Runner's handling was less composed on winding roads, and the ride could be bouncy and floaty, especially when unloaded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5 but fell short of 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 a host of comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, making it a luxurious and well-equipped SUV.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design felt outdated, but it was practical and easy to use. The large climate-control dials and driveline levers were user-friendly, even with gloves on. The front seats provided ample space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second-row seats offered good legroom, but headroom was limited for taller passengers. The 4Runner could hold up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. However, the process of folding the seats was cumbersome, and there were no remote seat releases. The 4Runner's sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity added to its practicality.

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 controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, leading to accidental volume changes.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The system lacked off-road-specific apps and gauges found in competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler. The TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, but road noise and the loud engine made it difficult to fully appreciate the sound quality. The 4Runner also featured additional terrain controls in the headliner console, including Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, but these controls were labeled with pictograms, requiring a thorough read of the owner's manual to understand their functions.

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 with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it four out of five stars for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars in rollover evaluations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but had "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner came with a full complement of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The TRD Pro and Limited trims also included a surround-view camera system, but only the Limited had front and rear parking sensors. Some safety alerts were overly sensitive, but their settings could be adjusted.