2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment was available for all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package added standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further enhanced the vehicle with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 to $53,185, excluding destination charges. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, featuring Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270, including destination charges. The Telluride's styling updates maintained its attractive forms and proportions, with the Wolf Gray paint complementing the blacked-out X-Line styling. The interior featured premium Nappa leather seats, with various appealing color options available, enhancing the cabin's luxury feel despite some shiny plastic elements.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, was not a mere replica of other Mercedes SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with the GLS, GLC, and GLB classes but had a more rounded profile reminiscent of previous generations. The GLE's design included squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, contrasted by sharply tapering side glass and a rakish windshield and back window. These proportions were more pronounced in the GLE Coupe models. While not the most handsome in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered to the brand's identity. For 2025, new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors were introduced, offering more personalization options. The Yacht Blue interior of the test car was particularly striking, with upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating a special atmosphere.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The AWD version included a locking center differential and various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The Telluride had a ground clearance of 8.0 inches, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. It provided good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg in city conditions. The driving experience was refined, with responsive steering and brakes, and a firm ride at lower speeds that softened at higher velocities. Off-road capabilities were better than expected, though not comparable to a Jeep.

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 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering a 50-mile 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+ provided even more power, with the latter reaching 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The GLE 63 S delivered thrilling acceleration and a distinctive V8 soundtrack. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited nimbleness on backroads and challenges in tight urban spaces.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line, which featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and a dual sunroof added light to the interior. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight. The Telluride included thoughtful details like a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscape views and generous storage space. A hands-free power liftgate was available, though its automatic function could be inconvenient in certain situations. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded, and featured useful roof rails.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE provided similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than some competitors. The high seating position offered an SUV-like feel, though visibility was limited. The AMG test car's front seats were heavily bolstered, making entry and exit challenging. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in most competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5 and others. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console provided reasonable storage space, and the GLE had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An active Kia Connect subscription was needed for voice recognition. The test vehicle lacked an active subscription, but past experiences showed good performance. Kia Connect offered various plans, with features like remote engine starting and climate pre-conditioning. The Telluride included satellite radio, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, along with a 360-degree camera system and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, with MBUX incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition, were available. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe had additional settings for drive modes and damper firmness, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some models offered an off-road display and a “transparent hood” function for the 360-degree camera system. These features, combined with air suspension, enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Upgrades included front parking sensors and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Highway Driving Assist 2.0 added automatic lane changing. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at press time.