2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2026 Hyundai Venue

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a luxurious and sporty aesthetic, particularly in the GLS 450 model we tested. This base version, equipped with 21-inch AMG wheels and the AMG Line Exterior Package, exuded a sporty charm that resolved the awkwardness of the standard fake front skid plate. The interior, reminiscent of the smaller GLE, featured high-quality materials and detailing that justified its price tag. Despite some body creaks on cold mornings, the cabin offered a premium feel with standard leather upholstery and options for Nappa leather and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, enhancing the dashboard's sleek look, while the unique control layout required minimal acclimation.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Venue, though classified as a crossover SUV, leaned more towards a tall hatchback design. Its compact and narrow appearance, with SUV-like cues such as a bluff nose and available roof rails, made it more suited for European streets than North American ones. The Venue's interior was simple and functional, with a digital instrument cluster and a small touchscreen that felt like an afterthought. The use of body-colour trim around the air vents and shifter added a touch of exterior flair to the interior, but the overall design was more utilitarian than luxurious.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, propelled the GLS 450 from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Despite being the least powerful engine in the GLS lineup, it offered a satisfying balance of performance and fuel economy, with a combined rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension, enhancing its ride and handling dynamics, and boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The driving experience was tailored and refined, with a quiet cabin and composed ride, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing a modest 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, resulted in a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5–8.8 seconds. While the Venue felt peppy in city traffic, its performance lagged at highway speeds, with the CVT struggling to provide quick acceleration. The Venue's handling benefited from its small size and low weight, making it agile in urban environments. However, its ride was less refined, with noticeable noise and vibration due to limited sound deadening and a solid rear axle.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with standard seven-passenger seating and an optional six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS excelled in comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite its generous legroom, storage options were limited, with small door pockets and a stingy centre armrest bin. The cargo space was versatile, with 355 litres behind the third row and up to 2,400 litres with the second row folded, though it fell short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue provided a more compact interior, with cloth and synthetic leather seats that offered decent comfort. The front seats had six-way manual adjustments, while the rear seats accommodated average-sized adults but lacked legroom for taller passengers. The Venue's cargo space was modest, with 528 litres available with the rear seats folded and 902 litres with them up. The interior materials reflected cost-cutting measures, with hard plastics dominating the cabin and limited soft-touch surfaces.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with voice-activated commands and customizable displays. Additional options included a head-up display and rear infotainment screens, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue came with a basic 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but lacking features like navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The audio system was a simple six-speaker unit, and while a wireless charging pad was standard, the Venue's technology offerings were limited compared to more premium vehicles.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. While it lacked hands-free highway driver assistance, the GLS required active driver participation, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The parking assistance features, including a surround-view camera system, made maneuvering the GLS easy.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue offered a solid set of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control. The Venue received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed ratings from the IIHS, highlighting its budget-oriented safety performance.