2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut. It adopted design cues from the popular Telluride and EV9, resulting in a more cohesive family resemblance. The Sorento featured a bold new front end with a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The interior saw a significant upgrade with a cleaner dashboard design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass, enhancing its upscale feel.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained its distinct identity within the Mercedes lineup. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille. The GLE's styling was consistent with Mercedes' design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. New paint colors and interior options were introduced, offering more personalization. The interior boasted luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting, creating a refined and special atmosphere.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower, providing more lively performance. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The X-Line and X-Pro trims enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making them suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower, while the GLE 450 had a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 horsepower. The GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 horsepower. AMG models delivered even more power, with the GLE 63 S producing 603 horsepower. Despite its powerful engines, the GLE felt larger on the road, and maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging. However, its refinement and luxury made it a compelling choice for those seeking performance and comfort.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a comfortable cabin with ample space in the first two rows, though the third row was tight. It provided more legroom than many two-row SUVs, making it a practical choice for families. The third row was suitable for occasional use, especially for children. Cargo space was limited with all seats up but expanded significantly when the third row was folded. The Sorento's interior featured ergonomic controls and plenty of storage options, enhancing its practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specifications were not provided. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom, with slightly more space than some rivals. Cargo capacity was generous, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLE's interior featured a well-designed center console with ample storage, and its towing capacity of 7,700 pounds made it a versatile choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a modern infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen across all trims. The new software, "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit," prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though voice commands were less reliable. Higher trims included a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a dual 12.3-inch screen setup with the MBUX system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface could be accessed through various controls, including a touchpad and voice recognition, which was notably effective. AMG models featured additional drive modes and settings, enhancing the driving experience. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function added to its versatility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento came equipped with the Drivewise suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable."

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE earned a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.