2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class exuded a sophisticated elegance in its aesthetics. Unlike trendier blacked-out designs, the GLS 450 we tested had an alluring combination of 22-inch AMG rims that enhanced its overall appeal. The silver four-louver grille, polished metal exterior accents, and the luxurious Twilight Blue paint made a striking statement. Critics might have found modern Mercedes designs bordering on dull, but the choice of stylish upgrades undeniably added an enduring charm.

Inside, the GLS 450 continued to impress with an exquisite Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme, adorned with natural-grain Grey Oak carried over from the previous year. This theme, combined with contrast stitching and polished aluminum accents, made for an interior that was both luxurious and inviting. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather on the dashboard and door panels elevated the cabin's ambiance. The AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, plus the Acoustic Comfort Package, further enhanced the feeling of premium craftsmanship within the vehicle.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner embraced a robust, retro aesthetic. Despite being last redesigned in 2010, the 4Runner's boxy contours and classic lines remained relevant for an all-terrain vehicle. The TRD Pro trim added underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, amplifying its rugged demeanor. The prominent fenders gave a broad stance that contributed to its off-road-ready appearance, reinforced by a tubular roof rack that suggested adventure readiness.

Inside, however, the age of the 4Runner was more apparent. The analog instrument panel and smaller eight-inch infotainment touchscreen underscored its dated feel. Traditional gear selector and transfer case levers contributed to the old-school vibe, which might appeal to some but could come across as merely antiquated to others. The material quality, with hard plastics prevalent, aligned with its utilitarian nature, while attempts to emulate luxury with leather-like but thinner, vinyl-looking seat coverings fell short.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, impressed with its performance. With 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, it delivered smooth power and swift acceleration. The GLS 450 could sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and the mild-hybrid system's instant torque gave it a lively feel from a stop. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, offered different driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, which allowed for tailored performance. The GLS 450 also boasted a respectable towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an official fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, achieving 19.9 mpg during our tests. Its adaptive air suspension made for serene driving, with the capacity to tackle twisty roads and off-road conditions alike.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine outputting 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, which seemed adequate, yet lacked the refinement and responsiveness of the GLS. The five-speed automatic transmission felt outdated compared to competitors with more advanced gearboxes, contributing to a less engaging driving experience. On highways, the 4Runner's engine struggled, requiring aggressive acceleration for merging. The off-roading prowess, complemented by the TRD Pro's four-wheel-drive and two-speed transfer case, remained the 4Runner's strong suit. The suspension was tuned for off-road flexibility, resulting in noticeable body roll and less stability on paved roads. Its soft suspension and tall tire sidewalls absorbed bigger imperfections but induced residual bounces and floatiness on smoother surfaces, particularly when unloaded. Despite these drawbacks, it offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity and notable durability in rugged terrains.

The interior space of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class prioritized luxury and convenience. The leather seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring top-tier comfort. However, the AMG Line package introduced side sill trim that could dirty one's clothes upon entry and exit. The front seats were highly adjustable, and the panoramic sunroof added spaciousness and airiness to the second row's generous legroom. The no-charge captain’s chairs in the second row were comfortable, though low-seating, while the third row was adequate for children but cramped for adults. Cargo capacity was functional, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with all seats stowed.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's cabin was ergonomically designed but visibly outdated. It offered expansive front-row space and a sensory-commanding dashboard with utilitarian controls. The elevated rear bench provided good legroom but compromised headroom and stadium-like seating visibility. There was a third-row option for six-passenger seating configurations. Its cargo capacity impressed, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the second row stowed. Though there were no remote seat releases, the cargo floor, when seats were folded, was almost flat, beneficial for camping or hauling sizeable items. The 4Runner's rugged charm extended to its practical features, including a sliding glass rear window and a reliable hitch receiver with towing functions.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class benefited from the advanced MBUX infotainment system, highlighting a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel alongside a similar-sized infotainment touchscreen. This twin arrangement, despite causing occasional distractions with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console touchpad, offered an intuitive experience overall. The improved graphics and various display modes made navigation and functionality seamless. In terms of audio, the Burmester surround-sound system provided exceptional quality, though some touch-sensitivity issues hindered smooth use during drives.

The Toyota 4Runner’s technology was more basic, with an eight-inch touchscreen that included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite its simplicity, the system was functional but lagged behind in specialized off-road apps available in the Bronco or Wrangler. The TRD Pro's 15-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound, though overshadowed by engine and road noise during drives. Additional terrain controls on the headliner console provided off-road capabilities with systems like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, though their pictogram labels necessitated a deeper review of the owner’s manual for optimal use.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class excelled in safety, equipped with over 20 advanced driver assistance systems. Customizable settings through the MBUX allowed fine-tuning of sensitivity and alert preferences, enhancing user experience. Technologies like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control were impressive, providing seamless and unobtrusive support on various road types. The lane-keeping assist system operated efficiently, reducing driver stress and enhancing safety during complex maneuvers.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with strong side protection performance but some concerning marks in frontal overlap tests. It included comprehensive safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its systems often proved oversensitive in urban settings. Higher trims like the TRD Pro and Limited benefited from a surround-view camera system, although only the Limited offered parking proximity sensors. Given the 4Runner's off-road focus, these features ensured a safer driving experience both on and off the beaten path.