2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. Available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe, reminiscent of the 1970s. The interior, while featuring plenty of plastic, felt solid and of quality, with easy-to-use controls.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle aesthetic changes, including sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille and optional 21-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin was luxurious with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the newer all-electric EQ models. The available open-pore walnut trim paired with Bahia Brown seating surfaces gave a retro feel, but choosing a lighter color leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It had a five-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim. The 4Runner had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a bumpy ride.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered several powertrain options, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, which we tested, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on all-electric power and featured a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. However, its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to the BMW X5 xDrive50e, with light steering and noticeable body roll.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. The interior offered comfortable seats, though climbing in and out could be challenging for shorter individuals. The second-row seating was spacious, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. The cabin featured customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, and a quiet ride. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for use with gloves. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, unlike newer Toyota models.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen. The system included a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The available augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays on the screen. The GLE also had an off-road page with detailed information and a transparent hood feature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though our tester experienced connectivity issues.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints. The Digital Light package-equipped models received an Acceptable headlight rating.