2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, particularly the AMG GLE 53 model, presented a sophisticated yet powerful presence. This particular version, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and abundant polished brightwork, managed to straddle the line between aggressive sportiness and refined elegance. The coupe-like design of the SUV, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from a front three-quarter view, was more of a stylistic choice that might not appeal to everyone initially but grew on most over time.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was luxurious and technologically advanced. High-end material choices such as Nappa premium leather, brushed aluminum trim, and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner underscored its premium status. The dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment was both a highlight and a complexity, requiring some time for users to become fully comfortable with its myriad functions. Ambient lighting added to the nighttime driving pleasure, enhancing the overall high-tech and plush feel of the interior. Despite a facade of simplicity, using all the features and controls without distraction necessitated an acclimation period.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, while somewhat conservative in design compared to other Hyundai models, remained an attractive option. Its understated aesthetic was marked by a wide upper and lower grille and thin LED headlights, which gave it a distinct look from the front. However, things tended to normalize when viewed from other angles. Our test vehicle, the top-of-the-line Calligraphy AWD trim, wore a striking Stormy Sea color, complemented by a black-on-black interior.

Though dark and monotone, the interior exuded a high-quality feel with its plush Nappa leather seats that provided notable comfort. The cabin space did not feel cramped due to the absence of a third row, offering extra legroom and cargo space. The ambient lighting and minimalist controls added a layer of sophistication, and the extended panoramic sunroof further enhanced the openness of the interior. Comfort features from heated and cooled front seats in the Calligraphy trim to various power adjustments ensured a plush driving experience, albeit with minor ergonomic hiccups like the positioning of the driver's seat and the wide center console impacting space slightly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This engine delivered 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm, making for impressive acceleration. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system added an extra layer of power when needed, while also aiming to improve fuel efficiency. The vehicle was rated by the EPA at 19 mpg in combined driving, returning 18.5 mpg during testing.

Notable performance features included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. Different driving modes like Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Off-road allowed the SUV to adapt to various driving conditions. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization and AMG Performance brakes contributed to a smooth yet agile ride. Although city driving was manageable thanks to variable-ratio power steering, suburban and highway driving revealed the SUV's tighter-than-expected turning radius and robust performance capabilities.

In more challenging driving environments, such as the twisting roads of Deer Creek Canyon Road, the GLE 53 excelled in Sport+ mode, providing rapid elevation gains and stable braking on descents. Nevertheless, the vehicle's weight and size posed minor limitations. When driven in the slightly less aggressive Sport mode on stretches like Mulholland Highway, the SUV offered a more balanced and rewarding experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two versions of a 2.5-liter engine: a naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, coupled with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered significantly better overall performance.

AWD was available on all trims, enhancing traction and stability. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector, which included Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes, allowed customization for different driving conditions. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, though somewhat superfluous, added a sporty touch. The turbo version's off-the-line acceleration was impressive with no discernible turbo lag. Comfort mode offered a smooth ride with minimal body lean, while Sport mode maximized performance, showcasing the turbo's power without excessive noise or harshness.

While we did not take it off-road, the Santa Fe's AWD-lock function and decent trail capabilities promised reasonable terrain handling. Towing capacities varied, with non-turbo models towing up to 2,000 pounds and turbo models up to 3,500 pounds, albeit with necessary trailer brakes.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 Coupe's interior offered ample room for four adults, though fitting a fifth might be uncomfortable unless they were a child. Its power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats provided supreme comfort over long stretches and catered well to enthusiastic driving on winding roads. However, rear visibility was challenging, making the vehicle’s multiple camera systems indispensable.

Rear-seat legroom was generous for adults, and the cargo area provided 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. This capacity was slightly compromised compared to the traditional, non-coupe GLE but still quite functional. Comfort features abounded, from a four-zone automatic climate control system to an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe capitalized on its two-row design to maximize space. Its rear-seat legroom measured a class-leading 41.7 inches, and cargo capacity was substantial with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additionally, an underfloor storage compartment added functionality.

Seat comfort was a strong point across trims, with eight-way power adjustments, heating, and available ventilation in higher trims like the Calligraphy. Convenience features like dual-zone climate control, a hands-free smart liftgate, and Remote Smart Parking Assist were notable in enhancing everyday usability. The extended panoramic sunroof and head-up display in the Calligraphy trim further added to the vehicle's premium feel, albeit with minor comfort issues for taller drivers due to the seat positioning and wide center console.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens within a single piece of glass. The system included standard navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also standard. The MBUX system, known for its user-friendly interface and natural voice recognition technology, could be controlled via touch, voice, or a central touchpad. However, the touchpad’s placement made it prone to inadvertent activation. Options included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded 3D Burmester audio system.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, especially in infotainment and ADAS. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display audio system, while higher trims boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and advanced voice recognition. Limited and Calligraphy trims included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system, although not the flashiest, was intuitive and highly customizable. Voice-recognition technology had mixed results but was quite capable when using proper commands. Additionally, the Santa Fe provided practical features like wireless charging and a digital key system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was well-equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Notably, Pre Safe Sound emitted a tone to protect hearing in an impending collision. An optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 advanced systems, such as Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. These systems were finely tuned for accuracy, contributing to an overall sense of secure driving. Although the GLE Coupe had no specific crash-test results, the standard GLE earned top ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highway Driving Assist system on higher trims enhanced adaptive cruise control capabilities. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS, marking it as a particularly safe choice in its category.