Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Toyota Sienna

Finding the aesthetic changes in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class might have been challenging, but even minor tweaks made significant impacts. The vehicle featured sharper headlights and taillights and sported black fender flares over the wheel arches. The grille received some stylish chrome inserts, enhancing its overall appeal. Those with the optional AMG Line package observed a distinct, more sporty grille that enriched the exterior's sporty aesthetic. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but buyers had the option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels for a more pronounced look. The GLE coupe was a standout for those seeking a sexier design. Available exclusively in the uber-sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, it shared many of the same features but at the expense of some interior space. Inside the GLE, the cabin bore the unmistakable signature of Mercedes-Benz, though it wasn’t as futuristic as their newer all-electric EQ cars. Rich in leather and soft-touch surfaces, the available open-pore walnut trim combined with Bahia Brown seating surfaces gave the interior a somewhat dated, wood-paneled rec room vibe. Choosing lighter leather colors could remedied this design mismatch. On the flip side, the 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims, certainly did not lack distinctiveness. The “swagger wagon” commercials might have ceased, but the vibe was alive and well. The Sienna’s stylishness was boosted by sleek front and rear fascias and a palette of cool colors, including deep blue, red, and green. LED lighting was standard all around, while upper trims benefitted from Bi-LED projector headlamps for superior illumination. The XSE trim was the sportiest, donning a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. One couldn’t ignore the Woodland Edition, available in exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic colors, which was designed for light off-roading and featured roof rails with crossbars, a tow hitch, and an extra half-inch of ground clearance. Standard cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and seating for eight defined the Sienna's interior, but the XSE trim with the optional Premium package upped the ante. For an additional $4,000, buyers could swap the second-row bench seat for captain’s chairs and enjoy heated and cooled leather-trimmed front seats, along with a leather-trimmed power steering wheel loaded with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) controls. The use of horizontal design lines provided a spacious feel, and handy features like a fixed center console with satin accents, well-placed cup holders, and a built-in vacuum cleaner in higher trims made for a practical and user-friendly family van.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered buyers a range of powertrain options. Choices included the entry-level GLE 350 boasting 255 horsepower, the mid-tier GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the high-end GLE 580, powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine. All these versions utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, our test vehicle was the innovative GLE 450e plug-in hybrid, which aimed to strike a balance between performance and efficiency. Under the hood, the GLE 450e housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that, when combined with its electric motor, produced an impressive 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. This output surpassed that of both the GLE 350 and GLE 450. Despite carrying the extra weight of its 23.3-kWh battery, the GLE 450e still managed to accelerate decently, though half a second slower to 60 miles per hour compared to the GLE 450. The battery's capacity allowed for an estimated 48 miles of all-electric range, though our test showed a surprising 55 miles. The GLE 450e typically started in all-electric mode if the battery was charged, yet switching to Hybrid or Battery Hold modes was straightforward. Despite lacking a sporty driving dynamic, the GLE 450e excelled in providing a cushioned, comfortable commute. With the onboard 11-kW charger, the battery could be fully charged in under three hours using a Level 2 home charger. Unusual for plug-in hybrids, the GLE 450e could also handle a 60-kW DC fast charge, facilitating quick recharges on road trips. Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna opted for a hybrid powertrain across all models. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors driving the front wheels and a small battery pack. All-wheel drive (AWD) versions included an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, resulting in a total output of 245 horsepower. Performance enthusiasts would find the Sienna lacking. Despite claims of sport-tuned suspension and a dedicated Sport mode, the vehicle's ride remained unexciting. With sluggish off-the-line acceleration and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sometimes felt noisy, highway merging and ascending steep grades were less than thrilling experiences. Though offering a relatively smooth drive in urban settings, the Sienna’s performance paled in comparison to similar vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Pacifica, all of which featured powerful V6 engines. The Sienna did provide a comfortable drive around town, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. However, grabby brakes occasionally led to drink spills in the cabin.

What the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class lacked in sporty driving dynamics, it made up for with a luxurious interior. Heated front seats were standard, and our test model further indulged comfort with ventilation and a massage function. Heated and cooled cup holders were available to maintain beverage temperatures during drives. Customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to an already serene cabin experience. Despite noisy highways, the cabin maintained its tranquility, especially when outfitted with the Burmester stereo system. A minor inconvenience was the fixed position of the sun visors, which didn’t extend to block sunlight optimally. However, the GLE-Class showcased impressive utility with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Additionally, the innovative Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology eased trailer handling in tight spaces. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats— a few cubic feet more for non-PHEV models. Folding the second row increased space to 74.9 cubic feet. The 2024 Toyota Sienna also excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo, albeit with a few quirks. The lower storage pass-through in the front was appreciated for storing bulkier items, while four cupholders and extra door holders upfront provided convenience. A shelf above the glovebox offered additional storage and hosted the available wireless charging pad. Power-operated side doors allowed easy access to the second row, where seats could slide fore and aft by 25 inches, offering riders up to 40 inches of legroom—almost as much as the front seats. Upper trims even featured ottomans for added comfort, although the slide function was somewhat complicated, and the seats couldn't be removed, reducing maximum cargo space compared to other minivans. The third row was accessible, even for adults, and offered 39 inches of legroom when the second row was pushed forward, surpassing other minivans in this class. Window shades and plentiful cupholders kept comfort levels high. Standard tri-zone climate control ensured everyone’s comfort, with an additional zone available in the XSE tester to maintain harmony over interior temperatures. The rear liftgate, activated by a foot motion, revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Stowing the third-row seats increased capacity to 75 cubic feet, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, folding the third row was slightly inconvenient as the seats didn’t lock into place when flush with the floor.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came equipped with a 12.3-inch customizable digital gauge cluster. The latest MBUX infotainment system was included, but the display was limited to 12.3 inches, unlike other opulent Mercedes models. Despite its smaller size, the interface was intuitive, and a center console touchpad offered an alternative to direct screen interaction. Voice commands could also control various functions by simply saying, “Hey, Mercedes.” However, steering wheel touchpads were finicky and less user-friendly. The GLE’s augmented reality navigation system impressed with its numerical address overlays and animated turn arrows on a video feed. Off-road enthusiasts would appreciate MBUX’s off-road page featuring details like altitude, latitude, longitude, heading, steering angle, and tire data. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system struggled with disconnections. Numerous USB-C ports ensured ample device charging. In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna lagged with its older infotainment technology. The nine-inch touchscreen required wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections. The newer, quicker system with improved graphics wasn’t available, but physical buttons for audio, navigation, phone, and home page were appreciated. Unfortunately, the backup camera’s grainy display fell short of expectations for a 2024 vehicle. Analog gauges flanked a 7-inch digital display in the center, providing key information like speed, fuel economy, and audio details. While functional, tech enthusiasts might prefer to explore other options. The Sienna did include a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. Available upgrades included a rear-camera mirror streaming a wide-angle video feed and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system. The interior featured multiple USB ports, both Type-A and Type-C, and the tester included a 1500-watt inverter with 120-volt outlets in the second row and cargo area. However, activation required pressing a button near the driver’s seat, a minor inconvenience that wasted precious charging time if overlooked.

Mercedes-Benz was renowned for its advanced driver aids, and the GLE-Class offered numerous safety features. Blind-spot monitoring came standard, but opting for the Driver Assistance Package Plus introduced active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The adaptive cruise control, in particular, performed exceptionally well. However, the package added nearly $2,000 to the price. While the NHTSA had not provided an overall or frontal crash rating, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a five-star rating for side crashes and four out of five stars for rollovers. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores of “Good” in multiple categories, with equipped vehicles achieving an “Acceptable” headlight rating. The 2024 Toyota Sienna also boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features with Toyota Safety Sense. Standard aids included lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Adaptive cruise control effectively managed stop-and-go traffic, but lane-keeping assist displayed some side-to-side movement. The feature, however, could be tuned out with an easily accessible steering wheel button. The Sienna offered extensive airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows, ensuring passenger safety. The 2024 Sienna achieved four out of five stars from NHTSA for frontal crashes and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. IIHS rated the Sienna “Good” in crashworthiness and seat belt and child restraint systems, though in front crash prevention, the minivan received an “Average” score.