2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, stood out among Mercedes-Benz SUVs with its unique design. It shared some visual bulk with the GLS, GLC, and GLB models but featured a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The squared-off wheel arches and horizontal grille and headlights gave it a wide stance, while the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created a distinctive look. However, these design elements resulted in odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models, where the bulky lower body contrasted with the fastback-style roofline. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz.

Inside, the GLE offered a range of interior colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan. The U.S. test car featured a Yacht Blue interior, unavailable in Canada, but the GLE's interior still impressed with its upscale feel. From the chunky air vents to the mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system and the 64-colour ambient lighting, the cabin exuded a sense of luxury and uniqueness.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the 2024 model year, making it easily recognizable in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. While not classically handsome, the Kona's design featured a satisfying blend of curves, bulges, and sharp angles. The newer model was significantly larger, about 15 centimetres longer, enhancing interior space and giving it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design, body-coloured bumpers, and cladding, added to its appeal.

Inside, the Kona's interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel. The drive selector's placement on a column beneath the wiper stalk contributed to the sense of space. The Kona's interior impressed with its tech features, and those seeking a sunroof or powered liftgate could opt for the Trend package on the Preferred trim or choose the N Line. The Kona's interior was practical and well-equipped, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern and spacious crossover.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG performance models. The lineup began with the GLE 350, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, with 4Matic all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assistance, generating 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an 80-kilometre electric range.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models rounded out the lineup. The AMG GLE 53 featured an enhanced inline-six powertrain, producing 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S, with its hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered a remarkable 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE 63 S Coupe, with its V8 soundtrack, transformed the SUV into a thrilling driving experience. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE's overall size and weight made it feel larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuvering in tight spaces proved challenging, but the GLE's refinement and luxury made it a standout choice.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between gas-powered and fully electric drivetrains. The gas-powered Kona came in two variants, with the Essential and Preferred trims featuring a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), prioritizing fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the Kona N Line offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it could feel slightly flat at low revs.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling. While the Kona's ride and handling prioritized competence over excitement, it remained a practical and value-oriented choice in its class.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered versatility with its two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. While Mercedes didn't publish third-row space specs, the GLE provided competitive headroom and legroom in the front seats, although rivals like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 offered slightly more legroom. The GLE's high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but outward visibility was somewhat limited. The AMG test car's heavily bolstered front seats added a sporty touch but made entry and exit slightly challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom comparable to the BMW X5 and additional legroom compared to the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, competitive but not class-leading. However, with all seats folded, it provided the most cargo space among its rivals, at 1,790 litres. The GLE's centre console offered reasonable storage for small items, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) made it a capable workhorse.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. This made it surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV, surpassing even the Mercedes E-Class plug-in hybrid in cargo capacity. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, combined with 972 mm of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height.

The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. The Essential and Preferred trims came with cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line featured Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available on the Preferred trim. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered ventilated front seats. Climate control options ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, depending on the trim.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a standard interface with dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the illusion of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and voice recognition, provided flexibility, although they could be overwhelming. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and customizable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona continued to offer a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line trim boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a cohesive and customizable display. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, although some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system enhanced safety by tightening seatbelts and closing windows in the event of a collision. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and Blind Spot View Monitor. All Konas featured six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.