2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The exterior was lengthened by 4 centimetres, and featured a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. New sporty character lines and alloy wheel designs added to its appeal. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and centre console were separated to create a more spacious look, complemented by ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, which elevated the Kona's sporty aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE's exterior changes were subtle, with minor updates to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, stood out for its elegance. The interior exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The GLE offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality cabin experience. Despite its understated exterior updates, the GLE maintained a robust and sophisticated presence.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was agile and composed, with AWD enhancing its stability and manoeuvrability.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 450e with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing a combined 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450e accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds, providing swift performance. Its fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The GLE's transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and its suspension absorbed road imperfections with ease. The GLE's sophisticated steering and manoeuvrability made it a pleasure to drive.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered comfortable front seating with ample headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat occupants faced limited space due to the vehicle's dimensions. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact size made it less suitable for carrying larger loads or accommodating rear passengers comfortably.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided generous space for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The cabin felt airy, and visibility was excellent. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favourably with some competitors. The optional third-row seat was limited to certain trims and best suited for young children. The GLE's interior featured numerous comfort touches, including power-adjustable heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display as standard, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base screen. The Kona N Line and Kona N included additional tech features, such as a premium audio system and digital instrument cluster. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services for added convenience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a sophisticated MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. The GLE's infotainment system was feature-rich, requiring a learning curve to fully utilize its capabilities.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included active lane-keep assist and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.