2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design during our Texas test drive. The SUV featured updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new wheel designs. The Telluride's exterior was available in striking new colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered fresh hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured embossed trim names on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, exuded elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e was a testament to 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 cabin. The GLE's interior was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The GLE 450e's interior was a blend of comfort and sophistication, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its reliable powertrain, featuring a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride's V6 engine provided ample motivation, achieving an average of 9.8 L/100 km in the X-Line model during a mix of highway and city driving. The X-Pro model, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading in Lock mode. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kg. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and stability on challenging terrain. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth and quiet ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, catering to various SUV shoppers. 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. The nine-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate 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/100 km in electric mode and 10.5 city/9.1 highway/9.9 combined in hybrid mode. The 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 absorbed road imperfections with ease. The GLE 450e's steering was sophisticated, making it maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e's performance was nearly flawless, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second row provided ample comfort, with manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. Access to the third row was easy, and the seats were more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery. Visibility was excellent, and the GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row. The GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to certain trims and was suitable for young children. The GLE 450e featured power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. The interior was equipped with numerous comfort features, including a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, and massaging front seats. The GLE's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, offering a high level of comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, enhancing communication and comfort for passengers. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. The digital-key technology allowed smartphones and smartwatches to function as keys. The Full Display rear-view mirror provided a video view of the rear, and the head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, though it required some time to master its features. 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. The steering wheel's touch-sensitive controls occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes. Overall, the GLE's infotainment system was advanced and feature-rich, offering a high level of connectivity and convenience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The SUV also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding a Lane Change Assist function. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+.

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, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective, providing peace of mind without overreacting to common driving situations. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year.