2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

When we evaluated the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, its design introduced a subtle sensuality that bordered on conservativeness. However, this understated elegance promised to age gracefully, especially with upgraded wheels. The GLS 450 test model featured stunning 22-inch AMG wheels, a polished four-louver silver grille, and sleek Twilight Blue paint, contrasting contemporary blacked-out trends. Inside, the GLS 450 flaunted a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak accents. Polished aluminum accents and detailed finishing exemplified Mercedes' commitment to luxury interiors.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe introduced a radical design departure. Previous models hinted at a gradual shift, but the new Santa Fe fully embraced a boxy aesthetic contrary to the sleek designs of the Ioniq lineup. Hyundai’s design chief, SangYup Lee, highlighted the practical and premium allure of the box design, which increased aerodynamic efficiency. The exterior boasted sophisticated matte color options and anodized-finish badging. The upscale XRT trim offered dark chrome, black cladding, and 20 to 21-inch wheel options, enhancing the vehicle's street appeal. Inside, the Santa Fe XRT and Calligraphy trims offered premium styling, combining luxurious materials like quilted Nappa leather and plush fabrics for a cozy yet stylish cabin feel.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Despite the availability of an even more powerful twin-turbo V8 in the higher trims like the GLS 580, the inline-six was more than sufficient, delivering a smooth and quick acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. This model featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and 19.9 mpg on a mixed driving loop. Driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor dynamics to their liking. The adaptive air suspension provided commendable handling, even on twisty roads or off-road terrains.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe started with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This engine, paired with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), provided respectable performance. The XRT trim featured standard AWD with additional off-road capabilities. Fuel economy for the FWD base model reached EPA ratings of 24 mpg combined, dropping slightly with AWD or the XRT model. Additionally, a hybrid powertrain later in the model year projected 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, with an impressive 36 mpg combined for FWD. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were stable and smooth, with the XRT showcasing solid off-road performance, capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds.

Inside the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, significant attention was given to driver and passenger luxury. Optional AMG Line package elements such as side sills, while sporty, were sometimes an obstacle during entry. The front seats, adorned with leather and equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functionalities, ensured supreme comfort. Elevated seating and a panoramic view paired with a new tactile steering wheel enriched every drive. The second-row captain's chairs, standard four-zone climate control, and spacious legroom added comfort, though the engine cut off access to the third row. Despite snug third-row accommodations, the GLS promised functional cargo space of 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 42.7 and 84.7 cubic feet behind the second and first rows, respectively.

For the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, an elongation in wheelbase improved interior and cargo capacities. Inspired by Korean "chabak" car camping culture, the wider tailgate and thoughtful cargo area design turned the Santa Fe into a versatile travel companion. Though the third row posed space limitations, the first and second rows exuded comfort with features like fully reclining captain’s chairs and plush leather upholstery. Depending on trim, cargo space ranged from 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row to 40.5 and 79.6 cubic feet with subsequent rows folded. Additional roof rail supports and a unique grab handle for loading cargo underscored Hyundai’s practical design philosophy.

The technological offerings in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class centered on the MBUX infotainment system. Dual 12.3-inch screens provided digital instrumentation and infotainment controls, enhancing the vehicle’s high-tech feel. Improved graphics and various themes solidified MBUX as an industry benchmark, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and touchpad presented occasional usage frustrations. Nevertheless, the Burmester surround sound system and advanced voice recognition made the system user-friendly and feature-rich.

Conversely, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display in its XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, merging the digital instrument cluster seamlessly with the center touchscreen. The infotainment interface, lauded for its intuitive use and crisp graphics, came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and multiple USB ports. Hyundai's BlueLink technology provided hands-free access, and Hyundai Pay simplified transactions. Importantly, a novel biometric fingerprint scanner elevated security and convenience, marking Hyundai as a tech-forward leader.

Mercedes-Benz endowed the GLS-Class with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assist ensured safety and ease of driving. While the systems required initial setup for optimal performance, they operated smoothly during rigorous testing, making the GLS a reliable partner in varied driving conditions.

Hyundai, while awaiting crash test results for the Santa Fe, equipped the SUV with essential safety features standard. Drivers benefited from adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The SEL trim and above saw enhancements like highway hands-free driving and a 360-degree camera system. The Calligraphy trim included a head-up display and advanced collision avoidance. Notably, driver monitoring systems across the lineup ensured awareness and safety.