2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, which it shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a noticeable size increase over its 2022 predecessor. It was 7.1 inches longer with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, enhancing rear-seat legroom. The new model was also about an inch taller and half an inch wider. The Sportage Hybrid featured a bold design with angular LED headlights and distinctive “boomerang” LED daytime running lights, giving it a unique appearance. The interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a minimalist design that was more elegant than its competitors. However, the SynTex artificial leather upholstery felt somewhat cheap, despite Kia's promotion of it as an "animal-free" alternative.

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, and polished metal accents, all complemented by a Twilight Blue paint color. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, polished aluminum accents, and rich detailing. The GLS 450 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. The interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a range of comfort features, although the AMG Line package's side sill trim could be inconvenient.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base LX trim offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, while the EX and SX-Prestige trims were all-wheel drive only. The Sportage Hybrid delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The well-tuned transmission provided smooth shifts, and the cabin was quiet and comfortable. However, the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode, and the maximum towing capacity was 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive 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 driving experience was quiet and quick, with the adaptive air suspension providing excellent handling. The GLS 450's massive tires contributed to its athleticism, and the brakes performed admirably.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It provided more front-seat headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids, but less for second-row passengers. The rear-seat legroom was best-in-class, tied with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The interior featured a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones, and clever cupholders.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a luxurious interior with supple leather surfaces, heating and ventilation, massage programs, and a wide range of adjustments. The front seats were comfortable, with excellent visibility. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain’s chairs provided excellent thigh support, but accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome. The third-row space was snug for adults, but suitable for children. Cargo space was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige had a panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, with touch controls below the screen for audio and climate settings. Hybrid models included four USB-C ports, optional wireless charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system.

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 various themes and modes. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console could cause unintentional changes to the displays. Despite this, MBUX was intuitive and easy to use, with outstanding natural voice recognition and augmented reality for navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of testing. The base LX trim included standard forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and safe-exit warning, while the SX-Prestige trim offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a blind-spot view camera, a 360-degree camera system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.

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 for customization of alerts and sensitivity. The forward-collision warning system was effective without being intrusive, and the lane-departure warning system provided a distinctive haptic thudding. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly and transparently. The GLS's ADAS was praised for its outstanding performance, with only a minor issue with lane-centering assist on a specific road.