2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually similar to its 2024 predecessor, maintained a distinct and fresh appearance that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars at both the front and rear, lending even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. Despite not being classically handsome, the Kona's design elements, including its curves, bulges, and sharp angles, came together in a satisfying manner. The newer model was noticeably larger, being about 15 centimetres longer, which enhanced its interior space and gave it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design and body-coloured bumpers, further emphasized this assertiveness. The interior, unchanged from 2024, felt solid and airy, with tech features that impressed, such as the drive selector positioned on a column beneath the wiper stalk.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a lineup that included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $125,395 to $247,795 in Canada. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured 21-inch AMG wheels and a premium leather interior, showcasing AMG styling details that added a sporty touch. The interior, while similar to the smaller GLE, boasted high-quality materials and detailing, though it exhibited body creaks on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 came standard with leather upholstery, with options for Nappa leather and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays provided a cohesive look, and the standard ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof enhanced the luxurious feel. Despite occasional delays in responsiveness, the GLS's powertrain delivered a tailored driving experience, making it easier to manage in urban settings compared to its larger competitors.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but might not appeal to those seeking performance due to the "rubber band" sensation during acceleration. The Kona N Line, however, provided a more powerful option with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, offering conventional gear ratios and a broader torque band. All-wheel drive was available for an additional $2,000 on the Essential and Preferred trims and came standard on the N Line, enhancing the vehicle's handling and ride quality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, the GLS 450 accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. While more powerful versions were available, the six-cylinder 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The GLS featured a Dynamic Select system with multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The standard Airmatic adaptive suspension significantly improved the SUV's driving dynamics, providing a smooth and composed ride. Despite occasional delays in responsiveness, the GLS's powertrain delivered a satisfying driving experience, with a tailored feel that made it easier to manage in urban and suburban settings.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, with 972 millimetres of headroom, providing adequate space for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was both reach- and height-adjustable. The interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on the Essential and Preferred, leatherette with the Trend package, and Alcantara sport seats on the N Line. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available on higher trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs available as an option. The GLS offered exceptional comfort, with standard features including a four-zone climate control system, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats. Comfort upgrades included ventilated and massaging second-row seats, a rapid heating system, and five-zone climate control. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. Cargo space measured 355 litres behind the third row, expanding to between 1,209 and 1,379 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,400 litres with the second row down. Despite falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs in cargo capacity, the GLS offered a tailored feel and easier management in urban settings.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai’s digital key. The N Line also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing more customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a capable collection of features through the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality enhancement, and a Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology. Additional options included a 9.5-inch head-up display, a 7-inch tablet for rear passengers, and dual 11.6-inch rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with the ability to execute commands via the “Hey Mercedes” digital assistant.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety technology, equipping even base models with advanced features. Standard equipment included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and Hyundai’s Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. The GLS also included a Car-to-X Communication system for future road hazard warnings. Parking was facilitated by front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a parking-related view button on the MBUX touchscreen. While the GLS lacked hands-free highway driver assistance, it offered a hands-on system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, requiring active driver participation.