2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and slight changes were made to the headlights and taillights. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior, though the color and wheels tempted a higher rating. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices with ten interior colors and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, was priced between $21,275 and $24,525. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint, gave the Venue a mature appearance. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish and appealing. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics but maintained a sense of style with striped seats and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, offering quality finishes and operation. The Venue was thoughtfully designed, providing a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with AMG models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The top AMG GLE 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 603 horsepower. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, produced 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed highway speeds up to 87 mph, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and the steering provided maneuverability despite the vehicle's size.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, the Venue's CVT maximized power for city and suburban driving. The Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, but it handled well on smooth surfaces. On highways, it maintained speed but sounded buzzy under hard acceleration. The Venue lacked all-wheel drive, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance helped in snowy conditions. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though our test showed 30.3 mpg.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for five adults, with a light and airy cabin. It provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, suitable only for children. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trims added luxury touches like a Burmester audio system, massaging seats, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easy. The driver's seat had manual height adjustment, and the steering wheel offered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. The back seat was better for two passengers, with limited storage and no rear air vents. The Venue provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Front storage was decent, with a useful dashboard shelf.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls occasionally caused issues with volume adjustments.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and simple operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger. However, it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was inconvenient. The Venue's voice recognition system was sophisticated, but the sound system could have been better.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, enhancing safety without being intrusive.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a driver monitoring system. The Limited trim added cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star rating from NHTSA. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.