Toyota Sienna vs Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class settled between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes-Benz's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 showcased front-wheel drive (FWD) or the 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 sported a more robust drivetrain with an advanced AWD system. In 2022, some updates were introduced, such as satellite radio being included in the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus that featured black grille louvers and black badges. Rose Gold emerged as a new paint option for the AMG GLB35. The GLB250 with FWD had a starting price of $38,600, exclusive of the $1,050 destination charge from the Aguascalientes, Mexico factory.

Our test vehicle, priced at $51,000 (including destination), arrived in the AMG GLB35 form. Key options included metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and AMG Drive Unit controls on the steering wheel. It also featured the Premium and Multimedia Packages, culminating in a total cost of $57,250 (including destination). Though the GLB250 could be enhanced to mimic the AMG GLB35 look, the AMG GLB35 boasted distinctive vertical grille bars, signifying the true AMG-tuned version of the SUV. Design-wise, the GLB's aesthetics had a polarizing appeal; despite attempts at embellishment, its boxy structure remained unmistakable. Design elements such as the steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs emphasized functionality over form. However, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels on our test model injected some style and presence.

Inside, the GLB maintained Mercedes-Benz’s refined tradition, with high-definition instrumentation, infotainment displays, and artful air vents illuminated by ambient lighting post-sunset. However, new users might need time to familiarize themselves with the unconventional controls, from the gear selector on the steering wheel stalk to the touch-sensing buttons. As for quality, being an entry-level Mercedes was evident in some cabin areas. Additionally, the road noise, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels, was quite loud, potentially disappointing those expecting traditional luxury quietness.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, conversely, worked hard to shed its typical minivan image with bold styling that resembled a Japanese bullet train. While most trims sported 18-inch wheels, the FWD versions of the XSE and Platinum trims brandished 20-inch wheels. With diverse trims available including LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, and the opulent Platinum, Toyota ensured a broad appeal. There was also a 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim available just below the Limited in price for the 2023 model year.

The XLE trim, likely a popular choice among value-conscious buyers, came standard with LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate—features growing more valuable with increasing family sizes. The interior of the Sienna, especially in the Platinum trim, was remarkable with high-quality brown leather upholstery and elegant wood-grain accents on the center console. With seating for seven or eight, the Sienna offered practical flexibility; the eight-seater trims (LE and XLE) could accommodate three-across car seats in the middle row using LATCH anchors, emphasizing the minivan’s family-friendly design.

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the AMG GLB35's engine was tuned to deliver 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm—significant gains over the GLB250’s turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 also featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. The Dynamic Cornering Assist, a brake-based torque vectoring system, along with Dynamic Select and AMG Dynamics modes, added to the driving dynamics.

Mercedes claimed the AMG GLB35 could reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than the GLB250. The official EPA rating for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, compared to 25 mpg for the GLB250 4Matic. In our testing, we averaged 21.8 mpg, nearly matching the EPA estimate. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension were standard on the AMG GLB35, ensuring superior stopping power and handling. Despite impressive performance attributes, the AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with noticeable lag in throttle response, a somewhat confused DCT, and performance brakes that felt uneven in urban settings. The firm ride and hood flutter at freeway speeds underscored its performance-centric design. However, on winding roads, the AMG GLB35 excelled, offering a thrilling and nimble driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna showcased an entirely different approach, being equipped with a hybrid powertrain in every model following its 2020 redesign. This hybrid system involved a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two front-mounted electric motors, with an additional rear-mounted electric motor on AWD trims, generating a combined 245 system horsepower. This power output was notably less than many competitors, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) often felt under strain, producing a less appealing sound during acceleration. Compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey, the Sienna’s acceleration felt lackluster.

Despite this, the Sienna’s chassis and steering impressed. The vehicle’s size didn’t hinder its nimbleness, with an ease of driving in urban settings and comfortable cruising on highways. It featured light steering for city navigation and a impressively tight turning radius for a minivan. Drive modes included EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport; however, normal mode was preferred as Eco mode overly extended the CVT’s simulated gears, and EV mode was largely impractical with the gas engine engaging frequently. Sport mode, though present, was not transformative enough to mask the minivan’s inherent nature.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offered considerable utility for space-constrained urban dwellers needing a roomy yet compact SUV. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and simulated leather upholstery (with an option for real leather). Additional options included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof for added natural light. The available 64-color ambient lighting system allowed for customized interior illumination.

Ingress and egress were easy across all doors, and both front occupants enjoyed excellent outward views. Storage was decent, though the absence of a minor dashboard tray was noted. The rear seats provided comfortable accommodation for two adults (squeezing a third wasn’t recommended), and although the front seatback’s hard plastic panels were present, they generally didn’t encroach on legroom unless the second-row seats were adjusted forward. The optional third-row seat, better suited for children, made more sense in Europe than the U.S. and compromised storage under the cargo floor. The power rear liftgate opened to reveal a 22 cubic-foot cargo space, accommodating up to four full-size suitcases, which expanded to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions with abundant cubbies, nooks, and bins. The open cubby below the center console was spacious enough for large bags or purses, and a lengthy shelf from the middle of the dash to the passenger’s seat was ideal for phones, featuring a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The Sienna had ample cupholders ensuring everyone could have at least two drinks.

Measuring over 200 inches in length with a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna utilized its minivan platform to maximize space, particularly in the cargo area behind the third row. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet of total cargo space with the third row folded. These numbers surpass many crossovers, though total cargo capacity fell short compared to some rival minivans due to the second row not being fully removable or foldable into the floor like in competitors. Nonetheless, the second-row captain’s chairs in our test vehicle were highly functional with features like extending ottomans and sliding tracks that allowed for enhanced legroom regardless of the occupant’s height.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class featured a high-tech interior with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the AMG GLB35. Standard features encompassed Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services, including remote engine start and vehicle locator. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package provided a navigation system with augmented reality integrating route instructions over a video feed from the front camera.

Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. Mercedes offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an integrated dashcam. Interaction with MBUX could be via voice recognition, touchscreen, physical controls on the center console, or steering wheel controls. Natural voice recognition with a digital assistant activated by “Hey Mercedes” worked well, though with some limitations such as providing locations of medical centers rather than hospitals on specific prompts. The navigation’s augmented reality was particularly helpful in densely populated, urban settings.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna carried older infotainment technology despite newer advancements available in other Toyota models. Nonetheless, core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto (though requiring a wired connection), and an optional navigation system were included. There were seven USB ports, and the presence of some physical buttons was appreciated for functionality, even if the interface felt dated and clunky at times. Issues included having to re-access Android Auto through the menu every time and the lack of a dedicated button or tile for easy access. The 9-inch touchscreen, although seemingly unimpressive on paper, fit well into the vehicle’s design, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system in the test vehicle delivered good sound quality.

While the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class nearly reached a price of $58,000, the optional Driver Assistance Package costing $1,700 (which wasn't included in our test vehicle) added 12 valuable safety and driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance that came standard on more budget-friendly models like the Toyota C-HR. The package also included features like evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

Standard safety features on the test vehicle included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and the Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, as well as rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. However, official crash test ratings for the GLB were not available.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems, excelled in safety. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features were crucial for a family vehicle frequently transporting children.

The Sienna earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the virtually identical 2022 model was a Top Safety Pick+ rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While some competitors offered family-friendly features like Honda's CabinTalk or Chrysler’s FamCam, the Sienna focused on essential safety without excess gimmicks.