Mercedes-Benz GLB vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was positioned between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, offering both GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. In Canada, the GLB250 came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, while the AMG GLB35 boasted a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The GLB's design was somewhat polarizing, with its steep windshield angle and nearly vertical rear window. Despite its boxy appearance, the AMG GLB35's 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added a touch of style. Inside, the GLB's cabin was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's tradition of luxury, featuring high-definition displays and ambient lighting. However, the controls required some acclimation, and the road noise was notably loud, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that divided opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied with colour and trim, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinct grille styles. The Telluride's side profile featured unique fender sculpting and black plastic tabs, while the rear view resembled a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple dashboard layout and modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the seat cushions were somewhat firm. Material quality was excellent, with options like engineered wood and carbon fibre. The Telluride Hybrid's interior was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo, though the seatbacks required a firm tuck to prevent bunching.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4-cylinder engine, with the AMG GLB35 version producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLB35 included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 L/100 km. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with a firm ride and responsive handling, especially in Sport+ mode. However, it exhibited throttle lag and brake unevenness in urban settings, and the ride was firm with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a six-speed transmission, offering a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. The Telluride Hybrid delivered a quiet and comfortable ride, with the X-Pro model providing off-road capability. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim had a stiffer ride with 20-inch wheels, but the suspension absorbed bumps well. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, with a soft brake pedal effort that required adjustment. The hybrid model offered a luxurious ride with minimal wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a spacious interior with an optional third-row seat for children. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. The GLB provided 560 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,755 litres with the second-row seats folded. The power rear liftgate revealed a cube-shaped cargo area, though the optional third-row seat reduced storage space.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride offered 631 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,528 litres with the seats folded. The hybrid model lost only about 30 litres of cargo capacity. The Telluride could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, or 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid. The interior featured a large centre bin, deployable cupholders, and storage trays for personal items.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While Bluetooth was standard, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were optional in Canada. The system included natural voice recognition and a digital assistant, though it occasionally provided inaccurate directions. Additional upgrades included Wi-Fi service, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, with lower trims featuring an eight-speaker system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist and blind-spot monitoring. The test vehicle did not have lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, or rear cross-traffic warning systems. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was expected to include forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors as standard. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly helpful, though the driver attention monitor occasionally triggered unnecessarily. Crash test scores were not available at the time of writing.