2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured subtle yet effective aesthetic changes that improved its overall appearance. Drivers needed a keen eye to discern the sharper headlights and taillights, as well as the new black fender flares over the wheel arches. The grille had received elegant chrome inserts, adding a touch of sophistication. The optional AMG Line package brought a distinct grille, lending a sportier exterior. While 19-inch wheels were standard, buyers could opt for impressive 21-inch wheels.

Among the model's variants, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe stood out for those who sought a sleek, sporty design. Although only available in the sporty AMG guise, it offered a unique silhouette at the cost of reduced interior space.

Inside the GLE-Class, the cabin was unmistakably luxurious, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz. Despite not being as futuristic as newer all-electric EQ models, the interior boasted ample leather and extensive soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim available was stunning, though the Bahia Brown seating surfaces in our tester evoked a dated, wood-paneled rec room vibe. Opting for a lighter color leather could remedy this retro design choice.

Meanwhile, Toyota aimed to grant the 2024 RAV4 an assertive, tough appearance, despite its compact crossover nature. Sporting a perpetual frown and aggressive gray body cladding, the RAV4 appeared ready for adventure. Dual exhaust outlets hinted at a level of performance that wasn't entirely present. Higher trims featured faux skid plates, and off-road themed versions boasted robust utility-style roof racks.

The TRD Off-Road model, topping the lineup, came with a base price of $38,295, plus a destination charge of $1,350. The Army Green color didn't win any beauty contests but was standard. The model was well-equipped, featuring a digital rearview mirror and Advanced Technology and Weather option packages, which brought the MSRP to $41,925, including destination.

The RAV4's gas-engine lineup started from $28,675 for the LE trim and went up to $38,295 for the TRD Off-Road, with hybrids costing two to three grand more but offering better power and fuel efficiency.

The interior of the RAV4 focused on utility. The cabin featured full-width shelves across the dashboard, robust door handles, easy-clean surfaces, and rubber-lined storage areas. Higher trims like the XLE Premium or Limited added upscale touches with contrast-color interior choices.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provided a range of engines for buyers to choose from. There was 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 robust 4.0-liter V8. All models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In our testing, we explored the new GLE 450e, a plug-in hybrid that struck a balance between performance and efficiency.

The GLE 450e featured a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. It boasted more power than the GLE 350 and GLE 450. However, the extra weight of its 23.3-kWh battery made it about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450.

Mercedes claimed the battery could support 48 miles of all-electric range, though our test showed 55 miles after a full charge. The GLE 450e defaulted to all-electric mode at startup and easily switched to Hybrid or Battery Hold modes. Despite the seamless transition between electric and gas power, the Sport mode offered little in sporty driving dynamics, showing significant body roll and light steering. The ride was comfortable and ideal for commutes, but lacked the sporty feel of competitors like the BMW X5 xDrive50e.

The onboard 11-kW charger took under three hours to reach 100% on a Level 2 home charger, and the ability to accept a 60-kW DC fast charge was a notable advantage for road trips.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Achieving maximum power required revving the engine significantly. The eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system available.

Our TRD Off-Road model featured standard AWD, exclusive off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels. Multi-Terrain Select equipped the SUV with driving modes such as Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. However, the TRD Off-Road shared the same 8.6 inches of ground clearance with other RAV4 models and lacked improved approach or departure angles.

In real-world testing, the off-road suspension excelled in handling daily road imperfections, while off-road, it capably navigated rutted gravel and mud. However, the lower front fascia easily sustained damage, revealing its limits compared to the more rugged 4Runner.

The RAV4's engine, although powerful for its class, was noisy and unrefined, but the dependable eight-speed automatic transmission smoothed things out. Fuel economy for the TRD Off-Road model was rated at 28 mpg combined, with our tests showing an average of 26.6 mpg. The hybrid variant, such as the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, offered a more impressive 37 mpg.

Inside the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, luxury was the name of the game. Standard heated front seats were enhanced in our tester with optional ventilation and a massage function. The heated and cooled cup holders provided convenience for long drives, while customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors aimed to elevate the driving experience. Despite its few faults, such as non-extending sun visors, the cabin remained peaceful on highways, enhanced by an exceptional Burmester stereo system.

The GLE-Class showcased its strong practicality with a towing capability of 7,700 pounds and included the innovative Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was substantial, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats in the PHEV model, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet when the second row was folded.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 excelled in practicality and utility. Its interior was adorned with storage options, robust controls, and easy-to-clean surfaces. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, a comfortable eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the optional Weather package offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a suite of weather-ready features.

The RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, and five when necessary. The rear seats, although low and lacking in leg support, were cushioned by soft front seatbacks and ample legroom.

Perhaps the most significant competitive edge for the RAV4 was its cargo capacity. It offered 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 69.8 cubic feet when folded down, which was sizable compared to the GLE’s cargo space.

For technology enthusiasts, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class arrived equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster alongside the latest MBUX infotainment system. This system, although lacking the giant touchscreen found in other Mercedes products, contained a 12.3-inch screen that proved functional and easy to navigate. A touchpad on the center console provided an alternative to using the touchscreen, along with smaller touchpads on the steering wheel. Despite finding these steering wheel controls finicky, the voice-activated assistant, "Hey, Mercedes," offered convenient, hands-free control.

The GLE further impressed with its augmented reality navigation system, overlapping turn arrows and numerical addresses on a live video feed, making navigation precise and intuitive. An off-road page in the MBUX system provided essential data like altitude, latitude, and tire conditions, complete with a transparent hood feature displaying what lay beneath the vehicle.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues with our iPhone marred the experience. Thankfully, numerous USB-C ports (up to 100W) ensured devices stayed charged.

On the technology front, the aging 2024 Toyota RAV4 remained competitive, featuring the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or an available 10.5-inch display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five connected services plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were free for one year. Notably, Wi-Fi Connect turned the RAV4 into an internet hotspot, offering a three-month data plan.

The infotainment was sophisticated, though it had its drawbacks, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and readability issues with the light font on the display's white daytime background.

Our test vehicle also included the optional digital rearview mirror, providing a clear view when the SUV was fully loaded. However, it lacked a panoramic surround-view camera, which could have prevented minor bumps during our off-road excursions.

Safety was a priority for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, but the optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. All features functioned reliably, with the adaptive cruise control proving exceptionally effective. However, the package added nearly $2,000 to the SUV’s price.

Safety ratings for the GLE were strong, though incomplete. The NHTSA granted it five stars for side crashes and four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS awarded top marks in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and mitigation.

In the case of the 2024 Toyota RAV4, it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), a comprehensive suite of ADAS. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. On the whole, TSS 2.5 was adequate but showed limitations on winding roads and in heavy freeway traffic. Lane-centering assist and adaptive cruise control were somewhat inconsistent and overly cautious in certain conditions.

The current generation of the RAV4 lost its IIHS Top Safety Pick due to lesser ratings in recent crash tests, including a Marginal score in the small overlap frontal-impact test and Acceptable in the latest side-impact test.