2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased subtle yet impactful aesthetic updates. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares, added a touch of modernity. The grille featured chrome inserts, enhancing its elegance. The optional AMG Line package provided a sportier look, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 21-inch. Inside, the cabin exuded classic Mercedes-Benz luxury with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating gave it a dated appearance, which could be remedied with lighter leather choices.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue offered a more budget-friendly yet stylish design. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, it ranged from $21,275 to $24,525. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint, gave it a mature look. Despite its affordability, the Venue boasted genuine style. Inside, it featured hard plastics but maintained a stylish appearance with seat stripes and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display added a modern touch, making it a thoughtfully designed small SUV.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The 450e plug-in hybrid, however, stood out with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite being slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450, it impressed with a 55-mile all-electric range. The 450e featured smooth transitions between electric and gas modes, though its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e. It included an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, excelled in urban environments. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it offered nimble handling and excellent visibility. The CVT maximized power, but the Venue struggled on rough roads due to its suspension setup. On highways, it maintained speed but sounded strained under pressure. Lacking AWD, it relied on front-wheel drive, yet its 6.7-inch ground clearance provided some versatility. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world tests averaged 30.3 mpg.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxury, offering standard heated front seats with optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a Burmester stereo system enhanced comfort. However, the non-extending sun visors were a minor drawback. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue provided decent comfort despite its compact size. The driver's seat had manual height adjustment, and the steering wheel offered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. The back seat was better suited for two passengers, with limited storage and no rear air vents. Front storage was adequate, and the trunk offered 18.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen. While smaller than some Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with voice control and a touchpad. The augmented reality navigation system and off-road page added functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display offered modern graphics and easy operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, the infotainment system was sophisticated, with impressive voice recognition.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, featuring forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and an overall four-star rating from NHTSA.