The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway..
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The sporty XSE trim debuts in the Hybrid lineup.More advanced safety features are standard.LED headlights are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride quality Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third-row seat Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranked #12 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 46 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lots of powerful engine choices Posh interior Above-average cargo space (in non-coupe models) Lengthy features list
Cons Less athletic than many competitors Coupe has limited cargo space and visibility Finicky engine stop-start system
Performance, plug-in, or pedestrian: there’s a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE for almost every luxury-SUV buyer.
Pros Wide palette of body styles, powertrains, trims GLE Coupe, for the well-to-do contrarian Powertrain choice abounds Composed, quiet ride
Cons AMG = $$$ Not so fuel-efficient Addled infotainment interface Odd feature availability Coupe body costs money, space
The AMG GLE 43 is slightly more powerful, increasing engine output from 362 horsepower to 385 hp. Otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is unchanged for 2018.
PROS Multiple available powertrains make each model distinct Interior is quiet, upscale and roomy Abundant list of standard safety, tech and luxury features AMG variants are seriously quick
CONS Not many places to store small personal items Punishing ride on AMG models, with little benefit to handling Ride quality with the standard suspension isn't as comfy as we expect Base V6's acceleration is merely adequate
