2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class showcased a design that exuded a soft sensuality, which some may find bordering on boring, yet it had an enduring appeal. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured eye-catching 22-inch AMG rims, shining bright against the SUV’s new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and lustrous Twilight Blue paint. Despite the trend towards blacked-out aesthetics, this brightly finished look felt counter-culturist and refreshing.

Inside, the GLS 450 displayed an elegant Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme, complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak trim from the previous year. The contrast stitching, polished aluminum accents, and the refined detailing characteristic of Mercedes interiors made the GLS a pleasant space to occupy. The more affordable GLS 450 came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, though higher-tier models offered more powerful twin-turbo V8 engines. Additional features such as the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, Acoustic Comfort Package, leather upholstery, and 22-inch wheels pushed the MSRP to $97,730, including a $1,150 destination fee.

On the flip side, the 2024 Kia Sorento underwent its first significant visual update since 2021. The new look aligned more with its popular siblings, the Telluride and EV9, gaining a more rugged front end and modernized taillights. The bluff new grille was flanked by vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, creating a larger, more intimidating appearance. Subtle rear updates and new wheel designs further enhanced its look.

Inside, the Sorento received a cleaner, more contemporary dashboard inspired by the EV9. The gauge cluster and infotainment displays were unified under a single pane of glass on all trims, with higher trims boasting twin 12.3-inch displays. Materials within the cabin felt more luxurious, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on available leather-wrapped steering wheels and seats adding upscale touches. Optional interior color schemes offered more character. Overall, the 2024 Sorento presented a more cohesive and upscale aesthetic than before.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, particularly in the GLS 450 variant, was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. It produced a commendable 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the GLS 450 delivered smooth, seamless acceleration, aided by a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The mild-hybrid system’s integrated starter-generator added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, making the GLS 450 feel lively from a stop. Official fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, though our tests yielded 19.9 mpg. The GLS also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

Driving the GLS 450 was a sublime experience; it was quiet, quick, and well-calibrated, although some settings like Sport mode could feel too responsive. The adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires ensured remarkable athleticism and grip. The braking system was equally impressive, delivering smooth stops under duress. The Off-Road menu within MBUX and the GLS 580’s exclusive Off-Road Package with added ground clearance and improved water fording capabilities underscored its versatility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s performance was anchored by two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. However, this setup felt underpowered in the 3,814-pound LX model, taking almost 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. The turbocharged 2.5-liter variant, available on EX and higher trims, was a more compelling choice, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the turbocharged Sorento offered a livelier performance, though zero-to-60 mph times were in the mid-seven-second range.

Standard models were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for an added cost. Opting for AWD on EX and SX trims included the rugged X-Line package, offering 1.2 inches of extra ground clearance (totaling 8.2 inches). The Sorento handled confidently with well-weighted steering and responsive brakes. The X-Pro variant excelled in off-road conditions, as demonstrated during testing in near-blizzard conditions, proving its capability with features like hill descent control and several drive and terrain modes.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, particularly the GLS 450 with the AMG Line package, experienced a trade-off with its sportier styling, which included side sill trim that often got in the way upon entry and exit. Inside, the front seats offered supreme comfort with leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The new steering wheel, while enjoyable to grip, had touch-sensing controls that could be irritating.

The second row, available with optional captain’s chairs for no extra charge, provided ample legroom and comfort, though accessing the third row was cumbersome. The third-row space proved snug for adults, with better accommodation for children. Cargo space was practical, offering 17.4 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s cabin remained modern and comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row was tight. Still, it offered more room compared to smaller models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided 41.4 inches of legroom in the front seats and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row had only 29.6 inches of legroom, more than some competitors but less than the Telluride.

The Sorento’s new dashboard and controls were ergonomically designed, with ample small-item storage space, though it lacked convenient areas for stashing larger items like a purse. Cargo capacity was compromised with the third row in use, providing only 12.6 cubic feet. Folding it down yielded between 38.5 and 45 cubic feet, depending on trim and configuration, and up to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats down, which was competitive within its class.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen arranged side-by-side on a horizontal plane. This setup appeared more integrated and modern than other Mercedes models with separate, portrait-oriented screens. Improved graphics and themes enhanced the user experience, though the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console touchpad could inadvertently alter settings, causing some frustration.

Aside from this, MBUX offered intuitive touchscreen operation, outstanding voice recognition, and impressive augmented reality for navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology delivered excellent audio quality.

Kia revitalized the Sorento’s infotainment with a twin-screen setup under a single pane, reminiscent of BMW’s approach. This new design was complemented by completely revamped software, now known as “Connected Car Navigation Cockpit” (CCnC). The system made navigating features easier by prioritizing popular functions on the home screen. Standard across most trims, the 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a clean and legible dash layout. Higher trims got a second 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster display.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, previously limited to lower trims, were now standard across all models. SX-Prestige trims enjoyed a premium Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 technology, allowing vehicle access and driving without the key using compatible devices.

Safety was a strong suit of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, equipped with over 20 advanced safety features. Customizable ADAS settings through MBUX allowed for tailored sensitivities and alert preferences. Our experience highlighted the smooth and transparent operation of features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and forward-collision warnings, all of which functioned seamlessly without causing driver irritation. The only hiccup occurred with the lane-centering assist on a challenging road configuration, but overall, the ADAS system performed exceptionally well.

The 2024 Kia Sorento was equipped with an extensive suite of safety features under the Drivewise banner, with enhancements for the new model year. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following and keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, among others. Advanced options like navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2 (available on SX-Prestige) added semi-autonomous capabilities.

Performance of these systems was generally good, though adverse weather conditions could hinder sensor operation. Optional surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror further enhanced convenience and safety.

The Sorento had received favorable ratings in some IIHS crash tests, though it had yet to be fully evaluated for 2024. NHTSA ratings were also pending but based on previous model evaluations, it held promise.