2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself with a sleek design that balanced brand recognition and unique styling. It featured split headlights and a large grille, while maintaining a sleeker profile than its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's standout details included a hatchback-like rear window, large exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. It successfully combined SUV presence with luxury-car style, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Electrified GV70 retained the same styling, with a grille that cleverly housed the charge port.

Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive interior with luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof. The design was memorable, featuring an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller with a unique design. The dashboard had a rounded cross-section, adding to its distinctiveness. Genesis aimed for a different approach, making the interior stand out in a crowded market.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned for 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes lineup. It had a rounded profile reminiscent of previous generations, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome, adhered to Mercedes' brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. New paint colors and Manufaktur interiors added personalization options, enhancing its appeal.

Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with options like Yacht Blue interiors and a Burmester audio system. The cabin featured chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating an upscale atmosphere. Despite its bulk, the GLE's interior felt special, with attention to detail that elevated the driving experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered two gasoline engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing it to 483 horsepower. Despite its power, the GV70's chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals, feeling heavier and less agile through corners. The ride quality was comfortable but not exceptional, with the suspension crashing over bumps.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 horsepower, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 horsepower. The GLE 580 4Matic featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 horsepower. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 horsepower and the GLE 63 S with 603 horsepower. The GLE 63 S delivered thrilling acceleration, but the GLE felt larger than it was, lacking nimbleness despite AMG enhancements.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. It provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space, better than the Mercedes but less than the Audi. The Electrified GV70 had minimal impact on interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design limited small-item storage, but features like automatic side bolsters added to its appeal.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came in two-row and three-row configurations, with competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. It offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE's center console provided reasonable storage, and it boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a rotary controller offering a high-quality feel. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner and digital key functionality for added convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. Voice recognition simplified navigation, and AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced its versatility.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, with standard safety features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and rear occupant alert.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE included standard features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.