2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had an imposing presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, framed the updated headlights, giving the SUV a more robust appearance. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, while LED taillights were standard on SEL and higher trims. The Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique glossy black and chrome grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels. The Palisade offered a range of wheel options, with 18-inch alloy wheels standard on SE and SEL models, and 20-inch wheels optional for SEL and standard on higher trims. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was stylish, featuring premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof, while the base SE model came with cloth seats and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heated and ventilated seats were available in higher trims, and second-row captain's chairs were standard in the top three trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a soft sensuality in its design, which, while bordering on boring, aged well. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured stunning 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, polished metal exterior accents, and a Twilight Blue paint color. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a new Bahia Brown over Black interior color scheme, with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents. The GLS 450 was the most affordable version, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The test vehicle included the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, an Acoustic Comfort Package, leather upholstery, wood trim, and artificial leather covering the dashboard and door panels. The second-row captain's chairs were a no-charge option, and the upgrades brought the MSRP to $97,730, including the destination charge.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was competitive within its class, surpassing the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly outperforming the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with standard paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as a $1,900 option. The HTRAC AWD system proved capable on a muddy off-road course, although the Palisade was not designed for rock-crawling. It offered a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, with AWD models featuring a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 450 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, with the mild-hybrid system providing an instant 148 lb-ft of torque for lively acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission distributed power to all four wheels through a variable 4Matic AWD system. The GLS 450 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. The adaptive air suspension and large Continental Premium Contact tires contributed to the GLS 450's athleticism, while the brakes performed admirably. The Off-Road menu within MBUX provided a transparent view through the hood, and the GLS 580 model offered an Off-Road Package with additional ground clearance and water fording capability.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and the second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row. Cargo space totaled 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with all but the front-row seats folded flat. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows, two cupholders per person, and a center console with a phone holder and space for a bag. Automatic dual-zone climate control was standard in SEL and higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling that could hinder entry and exit. The test vehicle's front seats were comfortable, with supple leather surfaces, heating and ventilation, massage programs, and a wide range of adjustments. The new steering wheel was pleasant to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats, and the standard four-zone automatic climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The no-charge optional captain's chairs offered excellent thigh support, and the GLS featured expansive second-row legroom and a standard panoramic sunroof. Accessing the third-row seat was challenging, and third-row space was snug for adults. Interior storage space was decent, with cargo space measuring 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 behind the second row, and 84.7 behind the front seats.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade offered WiFi hotspot capability, a 4.2-inch color driver info display, or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. An in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode were available, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard. The Palisade introduced Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the car using their devices.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and themes, and was fast, easy, and simple to use, with the exception of touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console. The MBUX system included intuitive touchscreen operation, outstanding natural voice recognition technology, and augmented reality for navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model, and the 2023 model featured new active and passive safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features was standard, with highlights such as forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard, and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control was included. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, and a full-display digital rearview mirror was offered.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) could be adjusted through MBUX, allowing customization of sensitivity and alerts. The forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning system, and lane-keeping assist system were effective and non-intrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly, with only one instance of the lane-centering assist turning off. Overall, the GLS's ADAS provided outstanding technology and performance.