2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a nod to its Texas roots, named after the year the ranch was established where the assembly plant now stands. This model built upon the Sequoia Platinum with distinctive features like machined-finish 20-inch wheels, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim. Despite its hefty price tag, the interior was a mix of luxury and typical Toyota-grade plastic, which detracted from its premium feel. The TRD Off-Road Package added rugged elements, but the overall aesthetic was somewhat mismatched, with red TRD accents clashing with the otherwise sophisticated interior.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded luxury with its Manufaktur Edition Package, which included 21-inch AMG wheels and exclusive paint colors. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured a plush interior with high-quality materials and a range of comfort upgrades, such as massaging seats and a premium sound system. Despite some minor creaks and a few storage limitations, the GLS offered a refined and comfortable driving experience. The dual 12.3-inch displays provided a modern yet classic touch, and the MBUX infotainment system was intuitive and feature-rich.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was powered by an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided muscular performance, but fuel economy was disappointing, averaging only 16.2 mpg in real-world testing. The Sequoia's towing capacity was impressive at 9,010 pounds, but its driving dynamics were compromised by a solid rear axle and rear-mounted battery pack, leading to a jittery ride and limited off-road capability due to a low ground clearance.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and offered a more acceptable fuel economy of 19.4 mpg during testing. The GLS boasted a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension, enhancing its ride quality and handling. With a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, the GLS was slightly less capable than some competitors but excelled in providing a smooth and composed driving experience, both on and off-road.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals due to limited headroom. The 1794 Edition featured comfortable front seats with multiple adjustments and massage functions, but the high floor and low roof made third-row access challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded, falling short of rivals.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with an optional six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS provided generous legroom and comfort, with numerous luxury upgrades available. Cargo space was more accommodating, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite some storage limitations, the GLS excelled in passenger comfort and practicality.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, many advanced features required subscriptions. The JBL premium sound system was a highlight, but the lack of a tuning knob was a minor annoyance. The Intelligent Assistant was capable but had limitations in executing certain commands.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a navigation system with augmented reality. The standard Burmester surround-sound system was impressive, and additional options like gesture control and rear infotainment screens enhanced the tech experience. The digital assistant performed well, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. However, the lane assist features were sometimes intrusive, leading to false warnings. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings were not available from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including innovative technologies like Pre-Safe and Car-to-X Communication. While it lacked hands-free highway driver-assistance technology, the GLS provided a hands-on system that required active driver participation. Some braking behavior was overly cautious, but overall, the GLS offered a refined and safe driving experience.