2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, which replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV, showcased a sophisticated and striking exterior design. It stood out with its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and a unique floating rear roof effect created by a continuous strip of glass. The LED headlights and taillights added to its distinctive look, while the 20-inch alloy wheels were standard across all models in Canada. Inside, the Palisade offered a near-luxury experience with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a spacious interior that could comfortably accommodate adults in the third row for short trips. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, in particular, impressed with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The GLE featured clever details like Mercedes star logos on the grille and standard LED headlights, with optional multi-beam LED headlights. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, exuded elegance. Inside, the GLE 450e boasted a luxurious cabin with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine, equipped with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, delivered a satisfying baritone rumble. Despite its power, the Palisade's fuel efficiency was not class-leading, with estimates of 12.3 L/100 km in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 2,267 kg with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 L-e/100 km, or 10.5 city/9.1 highway/9.9 combined in hybrid mode. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 140 km/h. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and ample storage throughout the cabin. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The front row featured abundant storage options, including a centre console with two compartments. Luggage space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and a cavernous 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade's gear selector was a compact shift-by-wire setup, and the dual-panel sunroof on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim enhanced the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious seating for five, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery. The GLE provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favourably to rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE offered an optional third-row seat, it was best suited for young children. The GLE 450e came equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system on all trims except the base. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Ultimate Calligraphy model featured a Qi wireless charging pad and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on higher trims, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system was user-friendly, though it required some time to master its features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused unintended volume changes.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a range of active safety features, such as 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 based on the 2022 model year.