2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals, creating a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar that gave the Tucson a floating roof appearance. At the rear, the Tucson boasted LED-illuminated toothy taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim upwards. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover, with changes that were hard to spot even for trained eyes. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor updates. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury 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 GLE's interior was one of the most luxurious in its segment, with features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain provided a combined output of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson PHEV, yet to be road-tested, promised an estimated total system output of 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful in the Tucson lineup.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the AMG GLE 53 featuring a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. Its fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode, with an electric range of 77 kilometres. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the GLE's suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's steering was sophisticated, making it easy to maneuver despite its size.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory functions available. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with 1,095 litres of cargo space, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE-Class offered an optional third-row seat, though it was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and suitable only for young children. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. The GLE 450e also boasted a range of luxury features, such as a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen was embedded within a larger head unit, which included climate control and media functionality. While responsive, the touchpoints were difficult to navigate without taking eyes off the road, leading to reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the centre console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be inadvertently activated, causing unexpected changes in music volume.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, though the 2024 model had not yet been tested.