Contents
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which is Better?
The Land Cruiser is making a surprising comeback, now in a medium-size format, sharing a platform with the Lexus GX. It aims to compete with popular off-roaders like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler while leaving the full-size SUV market to the Toyota Sequoia. Inside, it offers seating for five and modern infotainment tech. The Land Cruiser has advanced driver-assistance features, serving as both a weekend toy and a weekday commuter. It will be available in dealerships by spring 2024. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class SUV offers familiar elegance and features for Mercedes loyalists. It comes with various powertrains, from a simple turbo inline four to a twin-turbo V-8. The tech-forward Benz boasts a large dashboard display, though opinions differ. Compared to the Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90, the GLE offers better off-road capabilities with an optional air suspension for increased ground clearance and maneuverability in challenging terrains.
| 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | |
| Dimensions | 193.7 in x 78.0 in x 73.2 in | 193.9 in x 79.3 in x 70.7 in |
| Engine | Hybrid turbocharged 2.4L 4-pot | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 381 hp | 504 hp |
| Torque | 401 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | NA | 4.3 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | NA |
| Top-Speed | NA | 155 mph |
Toyota Land Cruiser
Engine & Performance
The 2024 Land Cruisers are in for an impressive upgrade that brings cutting-edge technology to all models. Get ready to experience the innovative 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid iForce Max powertrain paired with an eight-speed transmission. This remarkable technology, already proven successful in the top-tier Tacoma TRD Pro, ensures a thrilling driving experience. Despite having slightly lower horsepower at 326 combined, the new powertrain shines with a robust combined torque of 465 pound-feet, surpassing the previous 5.7-liter V-8’s 401 pound-feet. Off-road conditions are where it truly excels, boasting peak torque at just 1700 rpm, a remarkable improvement over the previous 3600 rpm. Prepare to embrace enhanced capabilities, especially when venturing off the beaten path – a remarkable advantage offered by the iForce Max powertrain.
Price & Mileage
In a delightful turn of events, Toyota has pleasantly surprised us with a much more attractive starting price in the mid-$50,000 range for the Land Cruiser’s latest appearance in the U.S. market. Gone are the days of the hefty $87,030 price tag. The smaller frame and cozy five-seat cabin enhance its appeal, making it even more charming. Although fuel economy estimates are yet to be released, we hold an optimistic outlook, expecting significant improvements compared to the disappointing 14 mpg combined of the 2021 model. With the introduction of the reformulated hybrid Cruiser, it is likely to outperform the larger LX600, which only managed 19 mpg combined. This exciting change breathes new life into the Land Cruiser, making it a more budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice for potential buyers.
Acceleration & Features
The Land Cruiser now comes with an integrated tow hitch as a standard feature, offering a respectable towing capacity of 6000 pounds, albeit reduced compared to its predecessor. The current version accommodates up to five passengers only due to the hybrid system’s battery taking up space that could have been used for a third row, resulting in a slightly higher load floor. On the bright side, all Land Cruisers come equipped with Toyota’s excellent infotainment system, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the base 1958 trim features a modest 8.0-inch display, the other trims boast a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, enhancing the overall experience.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Engine & Performance
The GLE350 models are equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing 255 horsepower. They come in both rear- and all-wheel drive versions, complemented by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the GLE450 upgrades you to a turbocharged inline-six powertrain with 362 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. Both the GLE350 and GLE450 utilize 48-volt hybrid systems for enhanced efficiency. The GLE450e offers a plug-in hybrid option, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, resulting in a robust 381 horsepower. At the top of the non-AMG lineup sits the impressive Benz-branded GLE580. It boasts a 48-volt system paired with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, generating up to 504 horsepower, making it the most powerful and luxurious choice in the range.
Price & Mileage
Having explored the available powertrains, we highly recommend opting for the entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350 model. Despite being the least powerful, it delivers sufficient performance to meet the needs of most drivers and boasts the best fuel efficiency. The GLE starts at a reasonable $63,800. Interestingly, the six-cylinder GLE450 with all-wheel drive has the same fuel economy estimate as the rear-drive, four-cylinder GLE350, both achieving EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the V-8-powered GLE580 consumes more fuel, with estimated ratings of 16 mpg city, 21 highway, and 18 combined.
Acceleration & Features
The GLE350 demonstrated a 60 mph acceleration time of 6.6 seconds, while the six-cylinder GLE450 achieved an impressive 5.3-second time. The interior is equipped with dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays that extend along the dashboard, providing multiple ways to interact with the system, including the convenient MBUX voice recognition system. Similar to popular virtual assistants like Siri or Google, MBUX responds to various commands, allowing drivers to adjust settings like temperature, activate ventilated seats, or select a radio station without taking their hands off the wheel. Moreover, the center console features a touchpad for easy and tactile control of the infotainment system, while the screen itself is touch-sensitive, adding to the overall user-friendly experience.