Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, the 1958 and the Land Cruiser. The 1958 model, priced at $58,195, featured a retro design with round headlights and basic equipment, reminiscent of the year it was first sold in the US. It offered a nostalgic appeal but lacked the modern amenities found in the more expensive Land Cruiser model, which cost $62,965. The latter boasted a contemporary and upscale appearance, with a wider range of colors, a more refined interior, and essential off-roading enhancements. The Premium Package further elevated the Land Cruiser with leather upholstery, larger screens, and additional tech features, bringing the price to $71,004.

The Land Cruiser's design emphasized functionality, with a traditional two-box SUV shape that maximized off-road capabilities and interior space. Its utilitarian interior was enhanced with Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens, providing a sense of technological advancement. The SUV's steering-wheel controls were notably intuitive, especially when compared to those in a Lexus RX. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Land Cruiser offered a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450, the base model, featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package for 2026, adding 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The test vehicle, priced at $96,400, showcased exclusive paint colors, premium leather upholstery, and Natural Grain Grey Oak interior wood trim.

The GLS 450's interior was similar to the smaller Mercedes GLE-Class, offering high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The standard upholstery was artificial leather, with three grades of leather available. The GLS 450's dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated into the dashboard, providing a cohesive look. The MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. Despite occasional delays in responsiveness, the GLS 450 offered a tailored feel, making it a comfortable and manageable choice for urban and suburban driving.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser had a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and featured standard off-roading aids like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The more expensive Land Cruiser model added Multi-Terrain Select off-roading modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature.

Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing revealed a lower fuel economy of 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with a suspension that absorbed rough terrain and city streets alike. It offered a commanding view of the road, making it easy to park and maneuver on trails. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its tires and suspension tuning. The Land Cruiser's power and responsiveness were enhanced by the electric assist motor and turbocharged torque, but acceleration and braking revealed some limitations.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered a balance of power and fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined and an observed 19.4 mpg during testing. The Dynamic Select system provided multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual.

The GLS 450's Airmatic adaptive suspension contributed to its smooth ride and handling, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Compared to the GLE 450, the GLS 450's ride quality was significantly improved. While the powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, the turbocharged inline-six delivered a satisfying sound under hard acceleration. The GLS 450's tailored feel and manageable dimensions made it a practical choice for urban and suburban driving, with a quiet cabin and composed ride.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered an upgrade from cloth upholstery to SofTex artificial leather in the Land Cruiser model, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats provided excellent support, the second-row seats lacked comfort, with insufficient thigh support and an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space.

The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, the high load floor height required effort when loading heavy items. The SUV's interior was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and a focus on functionality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with standard features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled cupholders. The Manufaktur Edition Package added fabric pillows to the front-seat head restraints, which were not well-received.

The GLS's six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs, with generous legroom and outstanding leg support. The third-row seat offered good thigh support but limited legroom. Storage space was limited, with small bins and door pockets. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The cargo cover was inconvenient during loading and unloading.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Drive Connect. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, a digital camera-based rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and online music access. A complimentary one-year subscription to Digital Extras was included. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end Burmester 3D audio system. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, a rear-seat tablet, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant that performed well, except for a minor issue with hospital navigation.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided a semi-autonomous highway driving aid. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist (PDA). The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It featured a Car-to-X Communication system and parking aids like front and rear sensors and a surround-view camera system. The GLS required active driver participation, with a hands-on system that worked well in most situations. However, it struggled with curve-speed reduction and wandering on curvy roads. The GLS braked harder than necessary on freeway exits, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.