2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a distinct departure from the brand's previous design language, which had been gradually evolving through models like the Palisade and Ioniq series. It was challenging to determine whether the Santa Fe represented the culmination of these design steps or a new direction entirely. The vehicle's boxy shape was a deliberate choice to optimize storage capacity, as explained by Hyundai's design chief, SangYup Lee. Despite its unconventional form, the Santa Fe managed to look upscale and attract attention, with its sophisticated colour palette and anodized-finish badging enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a luxurious experience, particularly in the XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, with premium materials and thoughtful design elements contributing to a comfortable and elegant cabin.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a more traditional Mercedes aesthetic. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of previous generations, with squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance. The GLE's styling, while not the most striking in the Mercedes lineup, adhered closely to the brand's design orthodoxy. Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with unique interior colour options and upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting. The interior felt special, with the AMG models adding sporty elements and additional drive modes for a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a unique approach in Canada by making the hybrid powertrain the entry-level option. The Preferred models and the limited-run NHL Edition featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering an estimated 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Unlike many hybrids, Hyundai opted for a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. Other Santa Fe models came with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Snow, with the XRT trim adding off-road capabilities. Fuel economy for the hybrid was rated at 6.8 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, and 6.9 combined, while the gas powertrain consumed 12.1 L/100 km city, 8.8 highway, and 10.6 combined. The XRT trim had slightly higher fuel consumption due to its increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Santa Fe's towing capacity reached 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT gaining an additional 453 kilograms. On the road, the Santa Fe delivered smooth and stable performance, with notable body roll through turns.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with an 80-kilometre electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ offered 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds. The GLE's performance was impressive, particularly in the AMG models, but the vehicle felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor, with most of the additional space dedicated to the cargo area. Inspired by the concept of "chabak," the Santa Fe's design focused on creating a comfortable space for car camping and tailgating. The cargo area offered 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively. The Santa Fe's interior was spacious, with the first and second rows providing ample room for passengers. Depending on the trim, the Santa Fe offered a choice of bench or captain's chairs in the second row, with various upholstery options ranging from stain-resistant cloth to plush quilted Nappa leather. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilation available in higher trims. The Santa Fe also featured a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox for sterilizing small objects.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom, with the second row providing slightly more space than most competitors. The cargo area offered 894 litres of space behind the second row, expanding to 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's centre console provided reasonable storage for small items, and the vehicle's maximum towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms. The GLE's interior was luxurious, with a high seating position and heavily bolstered front seats in the AMG models.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's cabin featured a curved panoramic display that elegantly flowed above the centre console. This display, the first of its kind in the segment, offered intuitive controls, crisp graphics, and easy phone pairing with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and six USB ports. The Preferred trim had a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered additional features like wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access and information. The BlueLink system allowed owners to use their smartphones as keys and manage access levels for other users.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad and steering wheel controls. The GLE's voice recognition system was effective, simplifying access to various functions. The AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some GLE models included an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Hyundai vehicles typically performed well in these evaluations. The Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot view monitor, and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai vehicle to include driver monitoring, using an infrared camera and capacitive sensors to track alertness and issue warnings if necessary.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, with some important ones available as options. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings in standard and optional forms, respectively.