2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. With a design that leaned towards SUV-like styling, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern and assertive stance. The sliding side doors were re-engineered for a sculpted look, enhancing the vehicle's overall appearance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The interior was designed for practicality, with a bridge-like centre console providing ample storage space and a smart tray for personal items. The second and third-row seats were designed for adult comfort, with the second row offering flexible configurations.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a more athletic and luxurious design. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sporty yet sophisticated look. Inside, the GLE Coupe was sumptuous, featuring high-end materials like Nappa leather and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech feel, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design masked the vehicle's complexity, with a lack of traditional controls requiring some acclimatization. However, once familiar, the GLE Coupe offered a seamless and distraction-free driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive option, the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional automatic. With four selectable drive modes, the Sienna prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving impressive ratings of 6.6 to 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the drivetrain. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, making the Sienna a comfortable and efficient choice for long drives.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system added extra power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The GLE Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, offering multiple driving modes for varied conditions. Its adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a balance of comfort and performance. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban environments with its speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius, while its performance capabilities shone on challenging roads, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, crucial for a minivan. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away, and a second row that slid up to 63.5 centimetres for flexible legroom and easy access. The cabin offered ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four passengers. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the 655-litre cargo hold expanded to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite offering less space than a regular GLE, the Coupe's interior was luxurious, with available upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims included a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on select models. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured advanced safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety technology was refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist providing additional security. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.