2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, despite Toyota's efforts to enhance its aesthetic appeal, retained the quintessential minivan look. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive appearance, but the overall design still echoed the traditional box-on-wheels style. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs and a Magnetic Gray paint color, adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Sienna's interior received updates, including a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its appeal varied. While the interior was deemed an improvement by some, others found the design elements less impressive.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded luxury and sophistication. The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, which added sporty AMG styling elements and exclusive paint colors. The interior boasted high-quality materials and detailing, though it exhibited occasional body creaks. The GLS offered a tailored feel, with a focus on comfort and exclusivity, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivered a net horsepower of 245, which, while not particularly high, was sufficient for the Sienna's needs. The hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, the Sienna averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was predictable and secure, though not particularly engaging, with a smooth and absorbent ride.

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. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, the GLS 450 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Airmatic adaptive suspension contributed to a smooth and composed ride, making the GLS a pleasure to drive in various conditions.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality with its minivan design. It featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, though they were found to be uncomfortable on long drives. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna offered generous storage space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum cargo capacity of 101 cubic feet. However, its cargo space was less than some rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided a luxurious and comfortable interior with standard seven-passenger seating. The GLS offered a range of comfort-related upgrades, including massaging seats and a rapid heating system. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated second-row captain's chairs with generous legroom. While storage locations were somewhat limited, the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The GLS excelled in providing a refined and comfortable experience for passengers.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system. The system offered various connected services plans, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands. The Sienna Platinum included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though the sound quality was not exceptional. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added to the convenience, while the head-up display provided useful information.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The GLS offered a comprehensive and satisfying technology experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While the Sienna's safety features generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though its frontal crash-test result was four stars, and it scored three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLS offered a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, though it required active driver participation. The GLS excelled in providing a smooth and refined driving experience, though its curve-speed reduction technology was overly cautious. Overall, the GLS offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.