2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, offered a more subtle and understated look compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade or the Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided the ostentatious grille designs seen on the BMW X7 and Lexus LX. However, buyers had more dramatic visual options with the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions. The AMG model featured flared wheel arches, a more muscular grille and front bumper, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and 21-inch AMG-specific wheels. On the other hand, the Maybach version was laden with chrome and featured a traditional hood ornament and power running boards, along with 23-inch wheels.

Interior-wise, the base GLS maintained a high level of luxury, even without features like reclining seats. It included leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. Details such as intricate speaker grilles and rugged rectangular air vents contributed to its upscale yet practical feel. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the interior.

During our evaluation of the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, we noticed new front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The Telluride also introduced new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green, and interior colors like Terracotta and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires for a more aggressive off-road appearance.

Inside, Kia’s updates were more subtle. A significant addition was the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, placed alongside a digital instrumentation panel under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. The interior also received new colors, minor trim updates, and a redesigned steering wheel. The center console improvements made it more functional, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims showcased their specific trim names on the front seatbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which could temporarily add 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 450 featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and offered a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

The 2023 Kia Telluride continued with its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock setting for better off-road performance. The Telluride X-Line returned an average fuel economy of 24.1 mpg during testing, while the X-Pro achieved 20.4 mpg, inclusive of off-roading.

Kia's enhancements for the 2023 model also included a higher suspension, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and modified traction control for off-road conditions. The X-Pro variant also featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, better cooling, and a higher towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came standard with a seven-seat configuration, though a six-seat version with second-row captain’s chairs was available. Second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access. The GLS had 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

In comparison, the 2023 Kia Telluride also offered seating for seven or eight passengers. The test models featured plush Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. Storage amenities included USB ports on the front seatbacks, multiple storage pockets, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For cargo, the Telluride had 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster of the same size. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. Voice recognition with "Hey Mercedes" was user-friendly, though the touchpad controller was less intuitive. It lacked the augmented-reality navigation found in the latest S-Class sedan.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. Voice recognition performed well, though it did not control climate settings. Kia included features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, and connectivity through the Kia Access smartphone app. Upgrades included a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a Full Display Mirror, and an advanced head-up display.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more advanced driver-assistance systems like Active Steering Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

The 2023 Kia Telluride expanded its safety features significantly. Standard features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and Safe Exit Assist. Kia also added Highway Drive Assist 1.5 as standard, with Highway Drive Assist 2.0 available on higher trims, which included Lane Change Assist. New collision avoidance systems and a rear occupant alert system with ultrasonic sensors were also standard.