2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During an extensive test drive in Texas, the 2023 Kia Telluride's updated aesthetics stood out. Featuring fresh front and rear styling, the Telluride models flaunted new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. New paint options like Midnight Lake Blue and Dawning Red added vibrancy, while the updated interior colors such as Terracotta and Navy brought a modern and inviting ambiance.

We focused on the X-Line and X-Pro variants. The X-Line, replacing the Nightfall Edition, showcased a new grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the X-Pro featured exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, providing a rugged look combined with improved off-road capabilities. Inside, a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired seamlessly with the dashboard's digital instrumentation under a curved 24-inch glass, propelling the Telluride into an advanced, tech-centric future.

On the other hand, changes to the 2024 GLE-Class were subtle yet refined. The Mercedes star logos adorned the front grille, and LED headlights became standard, with multi-beam versions available as options. Our GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic, rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, filling out the wheel wells gracefully. The interior, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim, exuded luxury. While not a revolutionary design overhaul, the GLE’s upscale finishes and numerous exterior and interior color choices were impressive.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured multiple driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow—with an available AWD system including a low-speed Lock setting. Our test vehicle, the X-Line, achieved an average of 24.1 mpg, while the more off-road oriented X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, partly due to a half-hour off-road session. Kia enhanced the X-Line and X-Pro with a raised suspension, improved ground clearance (8.4 inches), and modified the traction control system for better off-road capabilities, alongside a new Downhill Brake Control system for added security on steep descents.

The 2024 GLE-Class offered an array of powertrains starting at approximately $63,805. The range included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with AMG-badged models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S topping the lineup. Our GLE 450e tester featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensured a smooth delivery, with an outstanding 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Although official EPA figures were unavailable, an estimated 40-mile electric-only range was achievable, with the vehicle capable of functioning as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was almost undetectable, and the ride was impeccably smooth, aided by Mercedes' sophisticated suspension.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated up to eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration, with spacious and comfortable seating. Our test models featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated captain’s chairs in the second row. Ample front and second-row storage, a power lumbar stabilization system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot added convenience. Access to the third-row seating was relatively easy, and Kia’s smart power tailgate offered 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 GLE-Class comfortably seated five, with our GLE 450e showcasing a light, airy cabin accentuated by beige upholstery. Standard features included power-adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, and more. Cargo space measured 33 cubic feet behind the second row, favorably comparing against competitors like the BMW X5 but falling short of three-row rivals like the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. Although an optional third-row seat was available for other GLE models, it was more suitable for children due to its limited size.

Kia standardized a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Telluride, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, albeit without climate control commands. Features like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and available upgrades such as a Harman Kardon sound system and digital-key technology enhanced the experience. The optional head-up display (HUD), now larger at 10 inches, showed critical driving information effectively.

The GLE made a strong impression with twin 12.3-inch screens, managed via touch commands, a control pad, or touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, alongside an advanced “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. The intuitive head-up display and augmented reality navigation received high marks for convenience. However, touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally led to unintentional adjustments, such as sudden volume increases while maneuvering.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, junction turning assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Other standard inclusions were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and the new Intelligent Speed Limit Assist function. Optional features included Highway Drive Assist 2.0, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and more. The Rear Occupant Alert System, with ultrasonic sensors, ensured no passenger was left behind.

The 2024 GLE-Class similarly offered a comprehensive array of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, and a driver attention monitor. The Driver Assistance package, highly recommended for its added safety measures, included active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These technologies operated unobtrusively, enhancing safety without being overly intrusive.