2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we sampled the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. All Tellurides received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors included Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered new colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it a step further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, giving both models a mildly aggressive off-roader look.

Inside, the updates were less obvious but significant. The biggest change was the available digital instrumentation panel and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. Other interior changes included new colors, minor trim updates, a new steering-wheel design, and a more functional center console. Both the X-Line and X-Pro had their trim names embossed into the upper portion of the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS had a soft sensuality in its design that aged well, especially with upgraded wheels. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured bright-finish 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and lustrous Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a new Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, polished aluminum accents, and rich detailing. The GLS 450 was the most affordable version, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology.

Our GLS 450 had the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, plus an Acoustic Comfort Package, 22-inch wheels, leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather covering the dashboard and door panels. The second-row captain’s chairs were a no-charge option in place of the standard bench seat. These upgrades brought the MSRP to $97,730, including the $1,150 destination charge.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride remained largely the same as before, featuring a 3.8-liter V6 engine making 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, and the available AWD system had a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 easily motivated the Telluride, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro, which included off-roading. Official EPA ratings for the AWD model were 21 mpg in combined driving.

Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and modified the traction control system for better off-road performance. The Telluride also featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, improved cooling, and a self-leveling rear air suspension, was ideal for off-roading, with a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, though the all-terrain tires made it feel a bit squishier in turns.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system provided an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, making the GLS 450 feel lively from a stop. A nine-speed automatic transmission fed power to all four wheels through a variable 4Matic AWD system. Driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an official fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. Our evaluation loop returned 19.9 mpg.

Driving the GLS 450 was a sublime experience, with quiet, quick, and perfectly calibrated performance. In Sport mode, the powertrain felt too responsive, and the steering too heavy, but Individual mode allowed for a more balanced setup. The adaptive air suspension defied physics on twisty roads, though some dips caused unusual oscillations. The massive Continental Premium Contact tires provided excellent grip but picked up road grit, causing rustling in the wheel wells. The brakes performed admirably, allowing for smooth stops in the city. The Off-Road menu within MBUX provided a transparent view through the hood, showing the terrain and front wheel position.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles had premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row seats were comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable inboard armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than most midsize SUVs, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas.

Storage space was plentiful, with a “smart” power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space included 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, had sportier styling but side sill trim that got in the way. The front seats were comfortable, with supple leather surfaces, heating and ventilation, massage programs, and a wide range of adjustments. The new steering wheel was delightful to grip, though its touch-sensing controls caused irritation. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The no-charge optional captain’s chairs offered excellent thigh support and expansive second-row legroom.

Accessing the third-row seat was a hassle, with limited space for adults. Interior storage was decent, though the bin under the front center armrest was small. Cargo space included 17.4 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it did not control the climate system. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some functions, and OTA updates kept the system current. Six USB charging ports were available, along with Driver Talk and Quiet Mode.

Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, digital-key technology, a Full Display Mirror, and a head-up display (HUD) with a 10-inch viewing area. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a favorite feature, reminding drivers when the car ahead started moving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system had improved graphics and themes, but touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console caused frustration. The MBUX system was otherwise intuitive, with outstanding natural voice recognition and helpful augmented reality for navigation.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a long list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5. The SX trim added more collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors was also standard.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with over 20 significant safety features, adjustable through MBUX. The forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist performed well. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist handled various driving conditions smoothly. The only issue was a momentary deactivation of the lane-centering assist at a T-intersection.