2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had subtle but effective aesthetic changes that left a lasting impression. Its refreshed headlights and taillights, along with the black fender flares over the wheel arches, added a modern twist to the vehicle’s exterior. The grille, adorned with chrome inserts, gave it a touch of sophistication. Opting for the AMG Line package on the test model further enhanced its sporty appearance, and the 19-inch wheels could even be upgraded to striking 21-inch options for those seeking a more prominent road presence. The GLE coupe, although less spacious internally, charmed with its sleek, sporty design available exclusively in the AMG guise.

Inside, the GLE's cabin remained quintessentially Mercedes-Benz, with an array of leather and soft-touch surfaces emphasizing luxury. The open-pore walnut trim stood out, although its combination with Bahia Brown seating created a slightly dated look reminiscent of the 1970s. However, selecting a lighter leather color easily averted this design flaw.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner showcased a design that either felt classic or outdated, depending on one's perspective. Retaining its boxy shape from its last redesign in 2010, the 4Runner maintained a rugged personality suited for off-road adventures. The flared fenders provided a brawny stance enhancing its stability off the pavement. Our TRD Pro model came equipped with underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack that signified its readiness for tough terrain.

The interior of the 4Runner felt undeniably aged. The analog instrument panel and somewhat small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen felt relic-like in an era dominated by digital sophistication. The traditional gear selector and transfer case levers, along with the LED clock and temperature display, might have evoked nostalgia in some, but could easily be mistaken for a well-maintained used vehicle by others. Hard plastics were a common feature inside, but padded panels on frequently touched surfaces helped mitigate discomfort. The grained materials to mimic leather appeared more like vinyl but remained easy to maintain—an asset for off-road vehicles.

The performance offerings in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class were diverse and catered to various driving preferences. Buyers had the choice of the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-range GLE 450 with a robust 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, or the powerful 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle was the new 450e, a plug-in hybrid that delivered an impressive balance of performance and efficiency.

Under the hood, the 450e's 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine generated 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. While it had more torque compared to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, it was about a half-second slower to 60 mph due to the 23.3-kWh battery’s added weight. Remarkably, the battery could store enough energy for an estimated 48 miles of all-electric driving, though the gauge pleasantly surprised us by reading 55 miles post-charge.

The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode at startup given sufficient battery, but it could easily switch to Hybrid or Battery Hold modes. Despite the seamless transition between electric and gas power, the driving dynamics felt somewhat muted. The Sport mode did little to energize the experience, and while it provided a comfortable commute, it didn’t captivate those desiring sporty driving. Charging was efficient with an 11-kW onboard capability and an option for 60-kW DC fast charging, making it convenient for longer trips.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered across all trims by a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. These specs were comparable to rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, but the outdated five-speed automatic transmission hindered its performance. The TRD Pro featured standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with available four-wheel drive.

The 4Runner’s powertrain limitations were less noticeable off-road, yet daily driving highlighted its sluggish acceleration. The vehicle's soft suspension, tailored for off-road prowess, resulted in notable rear-end squat during acceleration, and the V6 engine sounded labored, especially when pushed hard. The sportier exhaust in the TRD Pro model added excessive noise, detracting from refinement.

Braking induced significant nosedive, but the 4Runner managed to stay controllable. Handling was marred by copious body roll and residual bouncing over uneven surfaces, more so when the vehicle was unloaded. A full cargo area alleviated some of these issues, but the overall road demeanor leaned towards the rougher side.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in interior comfort and luxurious features. Standard amenities included heated front seats, with upgrades to ventilated and massaging functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and impeccably quiet cabin conditions underscored the vehicle’s premium appeal. The addition of the Burmester stereo system provided an acoustic haven during travels.

A notable grievance was the non-extending sun visors, which were immobile on their rod, posing an inconvenience in a luxury vehicle. Practicality-wise, the GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds, aided by Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was generous with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The Toyota 4Runner's interior, while spacious, showed its age. The dashboard layout, large climate-control dials, and driveline levers were easy to use even with gloved hands, and sturdy handles provided stability during off-road adventures. The visibility from the driver’s seat was excellent, crucial for navigating challenging obstacles.

While the front seats offered ample space, the steering wheel's limited telescopic range might inconvenience taller drivers. The second-row seats provided considerable legroom, but headroom was compromised by the elevated rear bench design. A third-row seating option was available on select trims. Storage solutions included several dashboard pockets, cupholders, a large armrest bin, and deep door pockets.

Cargo space was substantial at 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum capacity of 89.7 cubic feet when rear seats were stowed. However, folding down the rear seats required manually accessing them via the rear doors. The almost flat load floor was practical, and unlike the GLE, the 4Runner featured a sliding glass rear window for quick access to the cargo area. Additionally, it had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, enhanced by a factory hitch receiver and a seven-pin harness.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, albeit on a relatively smaller 12.3-inch screen compared to other Mercedes models. The intuitive menu structure was complemented by a touchpad on the center console and a “Hey, Mercedes” voice command feature. Augmented reality navigation and off-road pages with extensive data added to the infotainment depth. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present, but connectivity issues were noted during testing. Multiple USB-C ports ensured devices remained charged.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system featured a basic eight-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it lacked off-road specific applications found in competitors. The TRD Pro's 15-speaker JBL audio system struggled to overcome the vehicle's inherent noise, making it difficult to enjoy the premium sound while driving. Additional terrain control dials on the headliner console required familiarization, emphasizing the need to read the owner’s manual for full feature utilization.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class showcased a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features, although many required additional costs. Standard blind-spot monitoring could be upgraded with active intervention, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist via the Driver Assistance Package Plus. These systems functioned efficiently, especially the adaptive cruise control. Crash safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were strong, with side crash earning five stars and a perfect "Good" rating in most categories.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner had mixed safety evaluations. It received four out of five stars overall from NHTSA, with five stars for side impact and three stars for rollovers. IIHS scores varied, with a top "Good" rating for moderate overlap frontal and side crash tests but lower scores in the small overlap frontal test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, though only the Limited had parking sensors. These systems tended to be overly sensitive, potentially causing unnecessary alerts.