2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. The Sienna's design featured a macho front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage options. The spacious interior offered comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain’s chairs and a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a tested consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering multiple driving modes and an optional AMG sport exhaust system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering facilitated urban manoeuvrability.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing with its hybrid powertrain, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery and maximized fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined. The TNGA platform contributed to better-than-expected handling, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's hybrid system included a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for families.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, MBUX Interior Assistant, and augmented video for navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also provided a digital rearview mirror and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe included numerous safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, including Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.