2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares over the wheel arches, gave it a refreshed look. The grille featured chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch options for a bolder stance. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating in our tester gave the cabin a dated appearance, reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled room. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, available in two trims, offered a retro look with the base 1958 model, featuring round headlights and cloth seats. The more modern Land Cruiser trim boasted a sophisticated appearance with larger screens and upscale interior options. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser's interior was more refined than the 1958 model, with Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The SUV's traditional two-box design maximized off-road capabilities and visibility, while features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on electric power and offered various driving modes, including Hybrid and Battery Hold. While the GLE's Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, the plug-in hybrid provided a comfortable commute. The 450e's 11-kW onboard charger allowed for a full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and it could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for road trips.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds, and it included features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The more expensive Land Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, our real-world testing yielded 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with impressive suspension tuning for urban and suburban environments. However, it struggled on twisty roads due to its tires and suspension setup. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor, providing ample ground clearance and maneuverability.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e prioritized interior luxuries, offering heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors contributed to a serene cabin experience. The Burmester stereo system enhanced the ride, though the non-extending sun visors were a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling. Cargo space measured 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

In the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, upgrading from the 1958 model replaced cloth upholstery with SofTex artificial leather, and the Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. The front seats provided excellent support, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and thigh support. The Land Cruiser's rear window design limited airflow, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo capacity was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 82.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though its screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models. The menu structure was user-friendly, and voice commands could control various functions. The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, and the off-road page offered detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but connectivity issues with our iPhone were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded its displays to two 12.3-inch screens with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist were also included. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional safety features included a road sign reader and Predictive Driving Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star side-impact rating and a three-star rollover rating.