Compare the2026 Mercedes GLEVS 2026 Toyota 4Runner

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability

Safety

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The GLE’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The 4Runner doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GLE has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Active Brake Assist, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the 4Runner Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro offers Parking Support Brake.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the GLE uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The 4Runner uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the GLE and the 4Runner have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the GLE is much safer than the 4Runner:

	GLE	4Runner
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Chest Rating
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	MARGINAL

The Mercedes GLE (with optional crash prevention) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The 4Runner is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The GLE comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 4Runner’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Engine

The GLE has more powerful engines than the 4Runner:

	Horsepower	Torque
GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	375 HP	369 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	381 HP	479 lbs.-ft.
GLE 580 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid	510 HP	538 lbs.-ft.
4Runner 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	278 HP	317 lbs.-ft.
4Runner Trailhunter 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	323 HP	465 lbs.-ft.
4Runner 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	326 HP	465 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the GLE 350 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Toyota 4Runner turbo 4 cyl.:

	GLE	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	7.6 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	15.9 sec

As tested in Car and Driver the GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the 4Runner Trailhunter 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid:

	GLE	4Runner
Zero to 30 MPH	1.9 sec	2.1 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.3 sec	6.7 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13.9 sec	21.1 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6 sec	7.4 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.2 sec	4.1 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.3 sec	4.8 sec
Quarter Mile	13.9 sec	15.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	88 MPH
Top Speed	129 MPH	129 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the GLE 450e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Toyota 4Runner (326 HP engine):

	GLE	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	5.5 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	14 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98.2 MPH	86.1 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLE running on electricity gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPGe
GLE
	AWD	450e Electric Motor	57 city/63 hwy
4Runner
			MPG
	RWD	SR5/TRD Sport 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy
		Limited 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy
	AWD	2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/24 hwy
		SR5/TRD Sport 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/25 hwy
		Limited 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the GLE running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPG
GLE
	RWD	350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/28 hwy
	AWD	450e 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/26 hwy
		350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	19 city/26 hwy
4Runner
	RWD	SR5/TRD Sport 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy
		Limited 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy
	AWD	SR5/TRD Sport 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/25 hwy
		Limited 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions for 49 miles. The 4Runner can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regardless of its engine, the GLE’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Toyota only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the 4Runner Limited/i-FORCE MAX.

The GLE’s standard fuel tank has 3.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4Runner (22.5 vs. 19 gallons).

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 4Runner.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4Runner:

	GLE	4Runner
Front Rotors	14.8 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	13.2 inches

The GLE stops much shorter than the 4Runner:

	GLE	4Runner
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	178 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the 4Runner (255/50R19 vs. 245/70R17). The GLE 450/580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4Runner (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 265/55R20).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4Runner SR5’s standard 70 series tires. The GLE 450/580’s optional 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the 4Runner TRD Sport/Limited/Platinum’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 4Runner SR5. The GLE 450/580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the 4Runner TRD Sport/Limited/Platinum.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 4Runner doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Mercedes GLE has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Toyota 4Runner has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The GLE 450/580 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Toyota doesn’t offer an active suspension on the 4Runner.

The GLE has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GLE’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The 4Runner doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 5.7 inches longer than on the 4Runner (117.9 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The GLE 450 handles at .84 G’s, while the 4Runner Trailhunter pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLE 450 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the 4Runner Trailhunter (27 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 29.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

Unibody construction lowers the GLE’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The 4Runner doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the GLE 450 is quieter than the 4Runner Trailhunter (70 vs. 73 dB).

Passenger Space

The GLE has .8 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, 6.1 inches more rear legroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the 4Runner.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume than the 4Runner with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 12.1 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLE easier. The GLE’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 30.7 inches, while the 4Runner’s liftover is 32.7 inches.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the GLE’s optional second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The 4Runner doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the 4Runner’s (7700 vs. 6000 pounds).

While the 4Runner Platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro can only tow 5800, any GLE can tow a minimum of 7700 pounds.

Servicing Ease

The GLE uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The 4Runner uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The GLE has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the 4Runner Premium/Limited/Trailhunter/TRD Pro/Platinum, the GLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the 4Runner doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The GLE’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The 4Runner’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer fluid is optional on the GLE to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The 4Runner doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLE’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the 4Runner’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the GLE offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The 4Runner doesn’t offer cornering lights. The GLE also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The 4Runner doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The 4Runner doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLE’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4Runner offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Mercedes GLE has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the 4Runner Limited/Trailhunter/TRD Pro/Platinum.

The GLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 4Runner.

The GLE has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the 4Runner Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro.

The Mercedes GLE has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the 4Runner TRD/Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter offers wireless charging.

The GLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

and e Mercedes GLE comes in four door bodystyles; the Toyota 4Runner isn’t available as a .

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