2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we explored the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride introduced a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass, pushing the SUV into a more modern era.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, though subtle in its aesthetic changes, featured sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille and 19-inch standard wheels, with an option for 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available only in the Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleek design with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim paired with Bahia Brown seating gave a retro vibe, but lighter leather options were available to enhance the cabin's appeal.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 20.4 mpg. The X-Pro model also increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds and featured a self-leveling rear air suspension. Off-road, the Telluride showcased its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and Downhill Brake Control system, proving its capability in controlled environments. On highways, it delivered a smooth ride with some wind noise at high speeds, and the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e plug-in hybrid, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery weight. The battery allowed for 48 miles of all-electric range, with a surprise reading of 55 miles after charging. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. The GLE's Sport mode offered little improvement in driving dynamics, with light steering and body roll, making it more suitable for comfortable commutes than sporty driving. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for quick recharging.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second-row seats included manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo volume was 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced the cabin experience. The Burmester stereo system provided excellent sound quality. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer handling. Cargo space was 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. A Full Display Mirror and a head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were also available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, notifying drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While it lacked the larger screens of other Mercedes models, the menu structure was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays on the MBUX screen. An off-road page offered information like altitude, heading, and tire pressure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with the latter adding Lane Change Assist. SX trim and higher included additional collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE included standard blind-spot monitoring, with the optional Driver Assistance Package Plus adding active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The package added nearly $2,000 to the price. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and mitigation, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.