2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares adorned the wheel arches. The grille featured chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch options. The GLE coupe, available only in the Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleek design but with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic vibe of the newer EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, but the Bahia Brown seating created a dated look reminiscent of a 1970s rec room.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, retained a fresh appearance that stood out in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look, even in gas-powered models. The Kona's design, with its curves, bulges, and angles, created a satisfactory aesthetic. The newer model was about six inches longer, enhancing interior space and road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims featured sportier designs with body-colored bumpers and cladding. Other trims, SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, added visual enhancements like larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged, offering a solid, airy feel with tech features. The 2025 model introduced standard 64-color ambient lighting on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle, the 450e, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with the gauge showing 55 miles after charging. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. The switch to the gas engine was seamless when the battery depleted. The 450e's Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, and the vehicle felt more suited for comfortable commutes than sporty driving. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger, charging to 100% in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, peaking from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, offering adequate performance by class standards. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, featuring active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models had a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The Kona prioritized competence over sporty driving dynamics, offering a reliable and value-oriented package.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced comfort. The cabin remained quiet, even on noisy highways, and the Burmester stereo system provided a premium audio experience. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer handling. 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 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The drive selector was relocated to a stalk on the steering column, creating additional storage space. In-car storage was excellent, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience, Alcantara sport seats on N Line S and N Line, and H-Tex leatherette on Limited. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic single-zone air conditioning on SE to dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models, it was functional and easy to navigate. The system included a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays on the screen. An off-road page in MBUX offered information like altitude, latitude, and tire pressure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but connectivity issues were noted with the iPhone. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SE and SEL trims had a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Built-in navigation was available on SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver's aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The package cost nearly $2,000. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and seat belts and child restraints. The Digital Light package earned an "Acceptable" headlight rating.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim included parking assistance features. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.