2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Kia Telluride

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had subtle yet significant aesthetic updates. The headlights and taillights were slightly sharper, giving the vehicle a refined and modern look. Black fender flares over the wheel arches added a touch of ruggedness, while the grille received new chrome inserts, enhancing the overall sophistication. The optional AMG Line package added a distinct grille that introduced a sportier flair to the exterior. The standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to impressive 21-inch options, giving the GLE-Class an even bolder presence on the road.

For those seeking a more striking appearance, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG version, offered similar features with a reduced interior space. The interior was unmistakably Mercedes-Benz, with abundant leather and soft-touch surfaces. The available open-pore walnut trim stood out but, paired with Bahia Brown seating surfaces, it created a dated look reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled room. Opting for lighter leather colors could mitigate this design flaw.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, with additional rugged X-Line and X-Pro packages available for the higher trims. The X-Line package provided all-wheel drive with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, and unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs. It also featured improved approach and departure angles and roof rails. The X-Pro package, available for the top trims, added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

The Telluride’s design updates maintained the SUV’s attractive proportions. The optional Wolf Gray paint perfectly complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing the overall aesthetics. Inside, our test vehicle featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof panel, and multiple interior color options available across trims. Different color schemes like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black, dark blue, and Sage Green harmoniously complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim. However, the shiny plastic covering the lower portions of the interior detracted from the otherwise upscale feel.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered various powertrain options. Buyers could choose between the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-range GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, or the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. All variants featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle was the GLE 450e, a new plug-in hybrid variant with a total of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite providing more power than the GLE 350 and GLE 450, the extra weight of the 23.3-kWh battery made the 450e about a half-second slower to 60 mph compared to the GLE 450.

Mercedes claimed a 48-mile all-electric range, and our test showed an impressive 55 miles after a full charge. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options to switch to Hybrid or Battery Hold modes and adjust brake regeneration levels. The switch between electric and gas engines was seamless. Although the GLE 450e had a Sport mode, it did not significantly enhance driving dynamics, which felt more comfortable than sporty. While it excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, those seeking a more dynamic driving experience might prefer alternatives like the BMW X5 xDrive50e.

On the other hand, the 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing this to 5,500 pounds. Models with AWD featured a locking center differential, Snow driving mode, and self-leveling rear suspension.

Acceleration to freeway speeds was effortless, and the Telluride provided adequate passing power, although fuel efficiency was not its strong suit. The AWD versions achieved an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, but our test averaged 19 mpg, with a week of city driving lowering this to 17.5 mpg. A hybrid drivetrain would benefit the Telluride greatly, bringing it in line with competitors offering better fuel efficiency like the Acura MDX.

Performance-wise, the Telluride stood out with brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control, making it feel more athletic in corners. The steering was responsive, and the brakes demonstrated good resistance to fade. The ride felt firm at lower speeds but softened at higher velocities, handling pavement undulations adeptly. Off-road, the Telluride proved more capable than expected, handling trails and ridges with competence.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in interior luxury, offering standard heated front seats with ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced the comfort. The ace Burmester stereo system provided an excellent audio experience. However, the sun visors, which did not extend, were a notable omission in an otherwise well-appointed cabin.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology, making reversing with a trailer easier. The cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The Kia Telluride, particularly in the SX Prestige X-Line trim, offered premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The dual sunroof panel brightened the interior, but metallic buttons on sunny days proved difficult to read. Standard controls were easy to use, and generous storage included a covered cubby, smartphone tray, and spacious door panel bins.

The Telluride’s hands-free power liftgate activated automatically with the key fob nearby, though this feature could be inconvenient in certain situations. The cargo space was substantial, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added functional roof rails, enhancing cargo versatility.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While smaller than screens offered in models like the EQS or S-Class, the 12.3-inch display was functional with an easy-to-learn menu structure. The touchpad on the center console and steering wheel touchpads provided alternative control options, though the latter were somewhat finicky. The augmented reality navigation system, overlaying numerical addresses and turn arrows on a live video feed, was particularly impressive.

The GLE-Class included an off-road page in the MBUX system, offering insightful information such as altitude, latitude, longitude, steering angle, and even a transparent hood feature for viewing the area beneath the car. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto faced connectivity issues. Fortunately, plenty of USB-C ports provided up to 100W of power.

Conversely, the Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a physical connection, wireless Bluetooth pairing was hassle-free. Various Kia Connect plans offered features like remote engine start, safe driver settings, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, but a Kia Connect subscription was essential for advanced functions.

Telluride's test vehicle had satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system delivering robust sound quality. Thoughtful features like a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode for backseat passengers, and the ability to broadcast the driver’s voice through the rear speakers demonstrated Kia's attention to detail. Additional tech included a digital key function, camera-based rearview mirror, 10-inch head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system with exceptional resolution.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class included standard blind-spot monitoring, with additional features available in the Driver Assistance Package Plus. This package provided active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist, enhancing overall safety. Although the GLE had not received NHTSA’s overall rating, it earned five stars for side impacts and four stars for rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it top scores for crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and seat belts, with a rating of “Acceptable” for the Digital Light headlight package.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its comprehensive Kia Drive Wise suite, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear occupant protection, and High-Speed Driving Assist. Higher trims added features like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and evasive steering assist. The available Blind-Spot View Monitor system and Highway Driving Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous capabilities. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash test rating, and the IIHS granted it a Top Safety Pick+ rating.