2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. All trims except the Seltos S included standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails. The MSRP for this trim was $28,045, including the destination charge.

Inside, the Seltos displayed a stylish interior with a contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap. The build quality was excellent, and the controls were logically arranged, with knobs for commonly adjusted features and matte-black buttons with clear markings. The infotainment system's purple accent color was a minor drawback, but overall, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, had a design that reminded us of an athletic sneaker. Mercedes shelved many V8-powered models for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with a base price of $77,800 and an MSRP exceeding $100,000 with options, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was luxurious, with 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 to the cabin's appeal. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design masked the vehicle's complexity, and while the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers, acclimation made the technology easier to use.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo-DCT combination made the Seltos more engaging to drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Smart.

The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The multi-link rear suspension improved ride and handling, but the suspension tuning was less appealing. The Seltos felt lively in urban environments, with excellent outward visibility and easy parking. On the highway, the steering was secure but not engaging. The test car returned 27 mpg in combined driving, matching the EPA rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution enhanced performance. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG sport exhaust system added to the driving experience. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further improved performance.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made low-speed maneuvers easy. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension handled speed humps well, but the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rough pavement. The GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed in city and suburban environments, with a reserve of performance for spirited driving. In Sport+ mode, the GLE Coupe excelled on twisty roads, with impressive grip, fade-free brakes, and controlled body motions.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy entry and exit. The Nightfall Edition had a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The front passenger seat was not height-adjustable but provided proper leg support. The Nightfall Edition featured cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The rear seat was spacious, with generous legroom and footroom, rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe could accommodate up to five people, but four was more comfortable. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was challenging. The back seat provided ample leg and foot room, and the cargo hold measured 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Available comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, and optional on the S trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LX and S trims offered wireless smartphone connectivity. The system was intuitive, with volume and tuning knobs and physical buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and using a smartphone's digital assistant was recommended.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim and an overall four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 driver support and collision avoidance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with lane-keeping assistance technology operating transparently. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.