2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. Introduced in 2011, the Sienna occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow "thud" of its doors and the outdated instrument panel were reminders of its age. The simplicity of the controls, however, made them user-friendly. The Sienna was available in several trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each offering a range of features from alloy wheels and keyless entry to leather-trimmed seating and premium audio systems. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels, appealing to those who wanted a minivan with a bit of flair.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, though not universally praised for its exterior design, boasted a significantly improved interior. The GLE's redesign for 2021 resulted in a more streamlined and cohesive look, especially in the Coupe variant. The interior was a masterpiece of quality and design, featuring a bold red and black colour scheme, luxurious materials, and advanced technology. The GLE's interior was equipped with features like twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a range of high-quality materials, making it a delight to experience. Despite some criticisms of its exterior styling, the GLE's interior set a high standard for luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for those who wanted more control. The Sienna's powertrain was primarily front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive was available on all trims except the base CE. This made the Sienna unique in its class for offering AWD, a feature that appealed to many buyers. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while the AWD version returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base providing stability. However, its steering was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced suspension and engine options. The GLE offered five suspension configurations, with the base GLE 350 using a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort. The GLE 450 featured AIRMATIC suspension with self-leveling air springs, while the AMG models boasted AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control for exceptional handling. The GLE 53 Coupe we tested had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, and all GLE models except the base were hybrids with EQ Boost technology. The GLE's fuel efficiency varied, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 kilograms, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The Sienna's third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility assistance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models being two-row SUVs and an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The GLE's cargo capacity was 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant had less space, with 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres behind the first. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the new MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved user experience. The interior featured easy-to-use seat controls, rocker switches for suspension, and steering wheel shortcuts for driving modes, making it a well-designed and functional space.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Toyota's proprietary software. Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports were standard, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL premium audio system. The Sienna also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen display with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures for shortcuts. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for racing enthusiasts, while Seat Kinetics made small adjustments for comfort. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with features like a head-up display, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's technology was extensive, offering more electronic features than most customers would fully utilize.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and a top rating of Superior from the IIHS for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for added protection in a crash. The GLE's safety technology was comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.