2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe sported a Selenite Gray paint job with 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and polished brightwork. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from a front three-quarter perspective, it wasn’t offensive in styling. Though Mercedes had shelved many of its V8 models for 2022, including the powerful AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, which boasted a 603-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, what remained was the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, starting at $77,800. Our test model, brimming with options, exceeded $100,000.

Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe was luxurious, showcasing high-end materials and a high-tech appearance punctuated by dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment. Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, a brushed aluminum trim, and ambient lighting at night enhanced the driving experience. Despite the complexity, the facade of simplicity prevailed, though it took some time to acclimate to the absence of traditional controls and markings.

In contrast, while sampling the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models in Texas, the new styling of the Telluride stood out. The SUV featured fresh front and rear designs, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheels. New paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, were also introduced.

The Telluride X-Line, which replaced the Nightfall Edition trim, brought a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro further emphasized its off-road persona with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the big update was the digital instrumentation panel along with the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment under a unified 24-inch curved glass.

Interior modifications included new colors, trim changes, an updated steering wheel design, and a more functional center console. The SX Prestige X-Line model in Wolf Gray was priced at $54,120, and the SX Prestige X-Pro model painted Midnight Lake Blue came in at $55,120, both inclusive of destination.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for additional power and fuel conservation. Official EPA ratings suggested 19 mpg in combined driving. However, our tests showed 18.5 mpg.

Incorporating a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution, and an AMG Dynamic Select system with various driving modes, the GLE 53 Coupe was well-equipped for performance. Urban maneuverability was aided by the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering, but the optional AMG Performance braking system made smooth stops challenging.

Sport and Sport+ modes transformed the driving dynamic, especially on challenging roads like Deer Creek Canyon Road, where the AWD system and upgraded brakes showcased their capabilities. Despite some issues with size and weight, the GLE displayed impressive grip and maneuverability.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Telluride maintained its mechanical structure with a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With selectable driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, along with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting, the Telluride was versatile. In tests, the X-Line model achieved 24.1 mpg and the X-Pro model 20.4 mpg, both integrating different driving conditions.

Kia raised the suspension and improved the SUV’s off-road capability by increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches and enhancing the approach and departure angles. The Downhill Brake Control system, AWD Lock mode, and features like all-terrain tires and self-leveling rear air suspension made the X-Pro the optimal choice for off-roading. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth, connected ride quality, though off-road tires affected handling slightly. The steering in Sport mode seemed overly firm, but overall, the driving experience was satisfying.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically accommodated up to five people, but was more suited for four, especially adults. The front seats, with numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage features, were comfortable and supportive. Forward visibility was adequate, but rear visibility required the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample room for adults.

Cargo capacity in the GLE Coupe was 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Compared to the regular GLE, the Coupe offered less space despite a higher price.

For the 2023 Kia Telluride, seating configurations allowed for seven or eight passengers, with our test vehicles showcasing premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs on the SX Prestige trim. Features like a heated steering wheel and new power lumbar stabilization aimed to keep drivers comfortable on long trips.

The second row included amenities like sunshades, USB ports, storage pockets, and climate controls. The third row was more comfortable than many midsize SUVs, albeit not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. Storage solutions and a proximity-sensing smart power tailgate added to convenience, although it required careful usage to avoid accidental activation. The cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Overall, the Telluride offered more versatile and ample cargo capacity compared to the GLE Coupe.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system also had wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester audio system.

MBUX’s natural voice recognition technology was user-friendly, although the touchpad on the center console was prone to accidental activation. Options like MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video navigation, and an upgraded Burmester surround sound system further enhanced the experience.

In contrast, Kia’s 2023 Telluride came standard with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system performed well with voice recognition but did not adjust climate control via voice commands.

The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The system supported dual Bluetooth connections and included six USB ports. Features like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and upgrades like a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital key technology highlighted its comprehensive tech offerings. A larger HUD showed more information, and the Telluride’s Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was particularly useful.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with a plethora of safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Pre-Safe Sound technology aimed to protect passengers' hearing before a collision, while the Emergency Call Service was always free.

The Driver Assistance Package added 15 advanced systems, including the new Traffic Jam Assist. Our test vehicle excelled in public road scenarios, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist proving lifesaving. Adaptive cruise control offered an optional route-based speed adaptation with some nuisance factors.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride included an extensive list of standard safety features and advanced driver assistance systems. Standard equipment comprised forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and more. New features for 2023 included junction turning assistance, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and updated Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist starting from SX trim.

The Telluride also boasted a rear occupant alert system with ultrasonic sensors, alongside collision avoidance technologies and driver attention alerts. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided smooth semi-autonomous driving and excelled in stop-and-go traffic.

Crash-test ratings were unavailable for both vehicles at the time of testing.