2022 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Kia Telluride attracted consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions, complemented by trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The interior was well-designed, though the glossy plastic in the lower half of the cabin detracted from the otherwise upscale feel, especially in the SX Prestige trim with its Nappa leather upholstery and simulated suede headliner. New standard features for 2022 included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, had a design that some found reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. Mercedes discontinued many V8-powered models for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, priced from $77,800 plus a $1,050 destination charge, featured a luxurious interior with high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and ambient lighting. The cabin's complexity was masked by a facade of simplicity, though the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers. Over time, drivers acclimated to the technology and found it less distracting.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a satisfying driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD with Lock mode provided good performance on various terrains, though limited wheel articulation suggested sticking to well-traveled paths. The Telluride's brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport) contributed to its enjoyable handling. The Telluride achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle returning 21.1 mpg. The SUV's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 hp 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 our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe's performance highlights included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced its driving dynamics. The SUV's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering and tight turning radius made urban driving easier, though the optional AMG Performance braking system required careful modulation.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior featuring thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. The Telluride offered dual-zone automatic climate control for front-seat occupants and single-zone for the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride's three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The SUV provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The flat load floor made it easy to transport large items.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, designed to seat up to five people, was more comfortable for four adults. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear visibility was limited, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding 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 in-cabin fragrance system.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride's standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system included navigation, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wire. The SUV featured USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in all trims except the LX. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also offered Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system in the GLE Coupe included dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." The touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D sound system.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard safety features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Highway Driving Assist technology combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride also featured Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. The SUV earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, 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 additional safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE's lane-keeping assistance technology was highly effective. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.