What To Know
- Both the Highlander and the GLE prioritize safety, offering a wide range of standard and optional safety features.
- These features provide a higher level of safety and driver assurance, making the GLE a compelling choice for those seeking the most comprehensive safety suite.
- The Highlander offers a solid combination of features and affordability, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two very different contenders like the Toyota Highlander and the Mercedes GLE. Both offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and style, but cater to distinct needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each SUV, helping you determine which one aligns better with your lifestyle and priorities.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Approaches
The Toyota Highlander prioritizes efficiency and reliability. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers a respectable 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not the most exhilarating, it provides smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride. The Highlander’s front-wheel drive setup is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The Mercedes GLE, on the other hand, is designed for a more engaging driving experience. Its base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims offer a powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE’s 9-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, and its available 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides superior traction and handling.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Luxury vs Practicality
Inside the Highlander, you’ll find a spacious and practical cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample legroom and headroom for both passengers and cargo. The dashboard is user-friendly, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While lacking the premium feel of the GLE, the Highlander prioritizes functionality and user-friendliness.
The Mercedes GLE elevates the interior experience with luxurious appointments and cutting-edge technology. High-quality materials like leather and wood trim adorn the cabin, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The GLE boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive navigation and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection for You and Your Passengers
Both the Highlander and the GLE prioritize safety, offering a wide range of standard and optional safety features. The Highlander comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
The Mercedes GLE goes a step further with its advanced driver assistance systems, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist. These features provide a higher level of safety and driver assurance, making the GLE a compelling choice for those seeking the most comprehensive safety suite.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Economy
The Toyota Highlander excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model. The all-wheel drive version gets slightly lower fuel economy ratings.
The Mercedes GLE’s fuel economy is more modest, with the base four-cylinder engine achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The six-cylinder engine delivers slightly lower fuel economy ratings.
Price and Value: Striking a Balance Between Luxury and Affordability
The Toyota Highlander is the more affordable option, with a starting MSRP of around $37,000. Its value proposition lies in its reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. The Highlander offers a solid combination of features and affordability, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Mercedes GLE commands a higher price tag, starting at around $55,000. Its premium build quality, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features justify the higher cost. However, the GLE’s lower fuel economy and higher maintenance costs should be considered.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and the Mercedes GLE depends on your individual priorities. If you prioritize practicality, affordability, and reliability, the Highlander is a compelling choice. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and comprehensive safety features make it an excellent family SUV.
If luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology are your top priorities, the Mercedes GLE is the better option. Its elegant design, luxurious cabin, and advanced driver assistance systems offer a premium driving experience.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Toyota Highlander and the Mercedes GLE are strong contenders in the mid-size SUV segment, several other excellent options are available. Consider exploring vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-9 if you’re looking for a spacious and reliable SUV with a more affordable price tag.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. What are the key differences between the Toyota Highlander and the Mercedes GLE?
The Toyota Highlander is a practical and affordable SUV that prioritizes reliability and fuel efficiency. The Mercedes GLE offers a luxurious driving experience with advanced technology, premium features, and a more engaging driving feel.
2. Which SUV is better for families?
Both the Highlander and the GLE are excellent family SUVs, but the Highlander’s spacious interior, comfortable seating, and robust safety features make it a slightly better choice for families.
3. Which SUV is better for off-roading?
The Mercedes GLE’s available 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides superior traction and handling for off-road adventures. However, the Highlander’s optional all-wheel drive system is still capable of handling light off-road conditions.
4. Which SUV has better resale value?
The Toyota Highlander generally has a better resale value than the Mercedes GLE due to its reputation for reliability and durability.
5. What are the maintenance costs for each SUV?
The Toyota Highlander has lower maintenance costs than the Mercedes GLE, thanks to its simpler design and readily available parts. The GLE’s premium features and complex technology come with higher maintenance costs.
