2023 Kia Sportage vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault, Peugeot, and Citroen. Its standout features included bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights framing a distinctive grille and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, adding a touch of class. The interior saw a shift from leather to synthetic leather upholstery, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob available on higher trims. The driver’s seat offered excellent visibility, and the dashboard featured an impressive display, though some interior elements were more typical of the compact-crossover class.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome inserts on the grille. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch, and the GLE coupe offered a sleek design with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE maintained a luxurious feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic vibe of Mercedes’ all-electric EQ cars. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, but the combination with Bahia Brown seating created a dated look.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Sportage delivered slightly improved power and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. However, the absence of a turbocharged engine option, which previously offered 240 horsepower, left the Sportage feeling less powerful than some competitors. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added rugged visual cues and off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro featuring all-terrain tires and specific drive modes. Despite its off-road prowess, the Sportage’s naturally aspirated engine struggled to match the performance of turbocharged rivals.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The new 450e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its heavier battery. The plug-in hybrid offered an impressive electric range and smooth transitions between electric and gas power. While the GLE’s Sport mode didn’t enhance driving dynamics significantly, it provided a comfortable commute, with the 450e’s charging capabilities making it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, now larger than its predecessor, offered increased interior space, with rear-seat legroom at 41.3 inches and a trunk capacity of 39.6 cubic feet, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front seats provided ample storage, but the technology interface was overcomplicated, with touch-sensitive buttons for HVAC controls that could be frustrating to use while driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, featuring standard heated front seats with optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. The GLE’s towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology enhanced its practicality. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface on higher trims, paired with a panoramic driver information display. While the technology was impressive, the lack of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the top interface was puzzling. The Sportage offered wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, and a Harman Kardon stereo on select trims, providing excellent tech features for its price.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though it lacked the larger touchscreen found in other Mercedes models. The menu structure was user-friendly, with voice control and touchpad options. The augmented reality navigation system and off-road page added functionality, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2023 Kia Sportage came equipped with a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard and additional features available through the Driver Assistance Package Plus. The GLE had not received an overall crash rating from NHTSA but earned high marks for side crash and rollover tests. IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an “Acceptable” headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.