Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy is the spacious and indisputably luxurious GLS-Class. It's all new for 2020 and it has big shoes to fill—we've named the outgoing GLS-Class to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for three straight years—but our first impressions of this new big Benz are very good.
Pros Tech-rich cabin, spacious in all three rows, refined powertrains.
Cons Anonymous styling, fussy infotainment system, heavily optioned models carry high price tags
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row crossover SUV that redefines luxurious family transport.
Pros Sublime demeanor Posh interior Strong turbocharged engines Impressive dynamics AMG, Maybach editions sure to come
Cons Hefty price Hefty curb weight Hefty fuel consumption Occasional cheap touch
New styling in line with other Mercedes SUVs.Powerful mild hybrid powertrains.Standard adjustable air suspension.All-new third GLS generation launched for 2020.
Pros MBUX infotainment is outstanding Tops in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows Flexible cargo capacity Responsive powertrains feel like driving a smaller SUV
Cons Not as off-road-worthy as some rugged competitors Somewhat vague steering with large wheels and thin tires MBUX has a steep learning curve
The Bronze Edition trim joins the lineup.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third row Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
A new Hybrid Bronze Edition model joins the lineup and wears Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint with a set of cool 18-inch bronze-colored wheels. The cabin also receives some unique design elements in the form of geometric-patterned upholstery with bronze-colored detailing and illuminated bronze-colored doorsill protectors. Elsewhere, XLE and higher trims now come with a height-adjustable power-seat feature for the front passenger. The Highlander otherwise carries over to 2022 with no other changes.
Pros Handsome styling, available as a fuel-saving hybrid, driver-assistance features come standard.
Cons Lazy driving characteristics, snug third row, busy dashboard design.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's #4 ranking is based on its score within the Hybrid SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award. Currently the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a score of 8.1 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Cushioned ride Quick acceleration from a stop Lots of standard features Refined cabin
Cons Above-average starting price Cramped third row
