2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Telluride is one of those rare vehicles that’s almost perfect right off the drafting table. A midsize, three-row crossover SUV, the Telluride was transformational for Kia when it debuted in 2020. Five years later, Kia hasn’t messed with its success, following last year’s refresh with minor detail changes for 2024, including gloss-black exterior detailing for the X-Line and X-Pro versions. All it’s missing for near perfection is a more efficient hybrid powertrain.

Verdict: To say we recommend buying the 2024 Kia Telluride isn’t the whole story. This is a midsize SUV we would buy ourselves, and we test-drive and evaluate scores of new vehicles each year. Stylish and safe, roomy and rugged, and loaded with surprise-and-delight details, the 2024 Telluride is worthy.

G-Wagens aside, the now-discontinued M-Class is what cemented Mercedes-Benz’s place in the SUV jungle. The descendant of that pioneering model is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which continues as the automaker’s entry into a midsize luxury SUV segment populated by the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Lexus RX. Mercedes also sells a GLE Coupe that competes with the BMW X6. A new GLE 450 4Matic Coupe is available for 2025.

Verdict: The GLE is a solid luxury SUV for families, but its competition is equally good.