Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class nested itself between the GLA and the GLC in Mercedes' SUV lineup with GLB250 and AMG GLB35 variants. This model made subtle yet significant changes. Satellite radio became part of the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus introduced black grille louvers and black badges. Rose Gold was added as a new paint color for the AMG GLB35. Prices started at $38,600, excluding a $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle was the AMG GLB35, beginning at $51,000 (including destination). Equipped with options such as metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an upgraded steering wheel, and additional packages, the total price reached $57,250. The GLB’s design, rounded yet boxy, was an acquired taste. Despite stylish additions like 21-inch multi-spoke wheels and a sophisticated interior with high-definition displays and artistic vents, the GLB had a “cardboard box” vibe due to its form-first design. The cabin was alluring with ambient lighting and high-tech instrumentation but required acclimatization due to unconventional controls. Quality varied, with evident entry-level materials and noticeable road noise, leading to a less traditional luxury experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid wore a more substantial, blocky design since its 2019 redesign. The trapezoidal grille from Toyota's truck line added prominence, surrounded by angular, beveled bodywork framing the headlights. Over the years, this style influenced other brands, including Honda and Mazda.

The interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts. The layout was typical for vehicles with a prominent infotainment touchscreen and a mix of physical buttons and knobs. Materials were average for the class, with plenty of hard plastics but padded contact points. Lower trims featured a rubbery urethane steering wheel, a stark contrast to higher trims with leather coverings. Despite this, build quality was solid, with no detectable noises over rough terrain.

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version produced 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm, significantly more than the GLB250. It came with an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system.

The performance enhancements allowed the AMG GLB35 to hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, quicker than the GLB250’s 6.9 seconds. EPA fuel economy for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, closely matching our testing result of 21.8 mpg. Its AMG High-Performance Braking System provided effective stopping power with four-piston front calipers and 13.8-inch perforated discs.

The AMG GLB35 performed best when driven hard on winding roads, with excellent engine response, sharp shifts, and stellar grip. However, its firm ride, evident road noise, and tricky braking behavior in urban settings made it less practical for daily driving.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, linked by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A second electric motor provided AWD, combining for 219 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. The hybrid powertrain outperformed the standard RAV4 but was slower than the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime.

The brakes operated seamlessly, engaging regenerative braking initially and transitioning smoothly to physical brakes. The suspension effectively smoothed out ride quality over obstacles and provided confident cornering without a sporty edge. While not exhilarating, the RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were competent and reassuring.

Urban dwellers found the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB appealing due to its roomy yet small profile, with optional third-row seating for children. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, eight-way power front seats, and simulated leather upholstery, with options for real leather, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.

The GLB provided easy access, excellent front-seat views, and decent storage, despite missing a useful tray near the center display. The rear seats were comfortable but cramped for three adults, with optional child-sized third-row seating reducing cargo space. The power liftgate revealed a 22-cubic-foot cargo area, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered spacious front seats and decent rear accommodations. It provided slightly more rear headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, but legroom was slightly less. The low rear seat cushions might affect taller passengers over long journeys.

Cargo capacity reached up to 37.5 cubic feet, only marginally smaller than the non-hybrid RAV4. Compared to competitors, the differences in cargo space were insignificant. The rear seatbacks folded flat, though reaching them could be challenging for shorter people. Interior storage shone with a dashboard shelf, phone tray, large cupholders, and an ample center armrest bin.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The AMG GLB 35 included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Standard features across models included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me services. Optional packages added satellite radio, navigation with augmented reality, wireless smartphone charging, premium audio, WiFi, gesture control, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a dashcam.

MBUX could be interacted with using voice recognition, the touchscreen, center console controls, and steering wheel controls. Voice recognition worked well, but navigation directions could be hit or miss.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s new infotainment system marked massive improvements with modern graphics and logical menu arrangement. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, upgrading to a 10.5-inch screen in higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless charging was optional. Over-the-air updates, Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote vehicle monitoring were available. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel, with audio systems ranging from six speakers in lower trims to 11 speakers in the top Limited trim.

Our 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not include the optional Driver Assistance Package. This $1,700 package added 12 advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Other missing advanced features included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist driver monitoring, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid secured a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick designation. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts, and the top Limited trim added parking sensors with automatic braking.