2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh that subtly enhanced its exterior and interior. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model in "Pluton Blue" paint added a sharp aesthetic touch. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model featured the standard black interior. The most striking interior update was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, maintained its distinct identity among Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that provided a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models, like the test vehicle, exhibited unique proportions with a bulky lower body and a fastback-style roofline. For 2025, Mercedes introduced four new paint colors and expanded the availability of Manufaktur interiors, offering three new Nappa leather upholstery colors. The test car's Yacht Blue interior was particularly striking, complemented by upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, and handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE 63 S, with its hand-assembled V8, provided exhilarating acceleration and a distinctive soundtrack, though the GLE's size made it less nimble in tight spaces.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the center console offered a tray for small items. The SX trim included a removable cargo cover for additional storage versatility.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than most rivals. It provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The center console housed the infotainment system's touchpad controller, leaving room for phones and drinks. The GLE's maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds ensured it could handle substantial loads.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate settings, and the larger screen was responsive. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and steering-wheel touchpads, were available, though the voice recognition system simplified interactions. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car included additional drive modes and settings accessible via steering wheel dials. Some GLE models offered off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for enhanced visibility.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, highway driving assist, and a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and expanded driver-monitoring capabilities. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.