2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, which contributed to its upscale image. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, was noted for its attractive Astra Blue paint and stylish pedestal-style roof rails, although the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired. Inside, the Carnival boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and flashy dashboard trim that mirrored the exterior's elegance. The interior materials were of high quality, and the robust transmission shifter added a sense of durability and sophistication.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet effective aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package enhanced its sporty appearance, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels or optional 21-inch ones. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with plenty of leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the Bahia Brown seating surfaces paired with open-pore walnut trim gave the cabin a dated look. Despite this, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with features like heated and ventilated seats, a massage function, and a Burmester stereo system, although the non-extending sun visors were a minor drawback.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was front-wheel drive and offered driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Despite its lack of all-wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, although they performed well in other driving conditions. The Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride quality when lightly loaded, but softened with a full passenger load.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e could travel up to 48 miles on all-electric power, with a real-world range of 55 miles observed. The transition between electric and gas power was seamless, and the vehicle offered modes like Hybrid and Battery Hold. While the GLE 450e provided a comfortable commute, it lacked the sporty driving dynamics of its V8 counterpart, with light steering and noticeable body roll. The 450e came with an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and center console arrangement. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather, although it felt stiff. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added comfort. However, the controls for these features were distracting to use while driving. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats provided luxury but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without the VIP seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing even the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. It featured heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The cabin remained quiet, and the Burmester stereo system enhanced the experience. However, the non-extending sun visors were a minor inconvenience. The GLE offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. It also boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer handling.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics that changed with the time of day, while the infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the Kia Connect subscription was inactive during testing. Additional tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities but failed to engage teenage passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, and the off-road page offered detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but connectivity issues were noted. The GLE also featured numerous USB-C ports for charging.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2022, but NHTSA had not yet tested it.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard and the Driver Assistance Package Plus adding features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and seat belts and child restraints, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.