2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new XRT treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and more aggressive tires made it less convincing for off-roading. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle. The XRT trim, priced higher than the SE and SEL but lower than the Limited and Calligraphy trims, included all the equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package. The test vehicle, dressed in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offered little visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white image. However, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin a pleasant place to spend time, demonstrating thoughtful design and high quality for the price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, looked more like an athletic sneaker from a front three-quarter perspective. Mercedes shelved many V8-powered models for 2022, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with a base price of $77,800. The test vehicle, loaded with options, pushed the MSRP to over $100,000. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was sumptuous, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and infotainment design. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim added welcome contrast. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night, while the facade of simplicity masked the vehicle's evident complexity.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. With nearly two tons of curb weight, the engine was adequate for getting the Santa Fe up to freeway speeds and cruising effortlessly. However, it lacked the power for quick acceleration or climbing hills. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with pushbutton controls for gear selection. The Santa Fe offered Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the ability to lock the AWD system for maximum traction. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and a remarkably quiet cabin. However, the XRT treatment was cosmetic, and the running boards could detract from performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system called EQ Boost. The EPA estimated 19 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG sport exhaust system added to the performance experience. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes maximized performance. The GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed, with a reserve of performance available. In Sport+ mode, it excelled on winding roads, with impressive grip and braking performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT included a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dressed in stain-resistant fabric, ensured comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear-seat accommodations were excellent, with plenty of room for a family of four and features like rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free power-opening “Smart Tailgate” was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe held up to five people, though four was more comfortable. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage. Forward visibility was fine, but rear visibility was challenging. The back seat provided ample room for adult legs and feet, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, rapid-heating front seats, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs for power/volume and tuning, clean graphics, and logical menus. The test vehicle did not have the upgraded infotainment system, but Hyundai’s digital key technology was available, allowing an Android smartphone to unlock doors and start the engine. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was useful for distracted drivers.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were also standard. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a “pink noise” tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe’s safety systems were refined and accurate. Crash-test results were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.