2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold new entry in Hyundai's lineup, showcasing a dramatic design departure from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a longer, wider stance, the Tucson Hybrid was unmistakably modern and distinct from the 2021 model. Its grille, shared with the Santa Cruz, seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting, creating a futuristic appearance. While the design was a risk, it aimed to capture attention with its aggressive styling. Inside, the Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a nearly unobstructed view thanks to the integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display. The interior featured standard heated front seats and cloth upholstery, with higher trims adding luxury touches like leather-wrapped steering wheels and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated luxury aesthetic, especially in its base GLS 450 form. It avoided the flashy grilles of some competitors, offering a subtle elegance. However, buyers seeking more visual drama could opt for the AMG GLS 63 or Maybach versions, which added distinctive styling elements and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS maintained a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-tech yet refined experience. Despite its luxury, the GLS's interior was practical, with a focus on quality and durability.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeable performance boost over the gas-only model. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts smoothly. The suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model. For those seeking even greater efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant offered a 2.9 Le/100 km rating and 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, supported by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the inline-six design contributed to a smooth and balanced ride. However, the air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited excessive body motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 offered a towing capacity of 3,500 kg, though some competitors surpassed this figure.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres available in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. This capacity outshone competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson Hybrid also provided excellent legroom for both front and rear passengers, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the interior featured thoughtful touches like multiple cupholders and ambient lighting in higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, and the GLS boasted the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's power-folding seats and air suspension made loading cargo convenient, though the touchscreen was somewhat out of reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson Hybrid provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, which proved to be the most user-friendly. The GLS also included standard navigation with augmented-reality features, though the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. Optional features included a Burmester audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and Crosswind Assist. However, many advanced driver-assistance features were optional. The GLS had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.