2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

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. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating gave it a dated look, reminiscent of a 1970s rec room. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, especially after the 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular and technical look. The SUV's balanced forms and tasteful body sculpting gave it an upscale appearance, making it a bargain at its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean, modern, and upscale feel. Higher trims boasted premium leather, artificial suede, and metal speaker grilles, elevating the Palisade beyond its mainstream SUV label. However, some metallic-surface control markings were hard to read during the day. The Palisade was loaded with thoughtful details, such as USB ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and drink holders accessible to children. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a standard feature, enhancing convenience in traffic.

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 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. However, the 450e plug-in hybrid was the standout, with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 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 potential for 55 miles after charging. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with seamless transitions to the gas engine. While the Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, the 450e provided a comfortable commute. The 11-kW onboard charger enabled a full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and the 60-kW DC fast charge capability made recharging on road trips convenient.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it averaged 22 mpg in combined driving. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving experience remained satisfying, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, with the V6 engine providing ample power and a pleasant sound. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with recorded figures falling short of EPA estimates. The Palisade's steering and suspension offered a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated. Overall, the Palisade delivered a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

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 added to the comfort. The Burmester stereo system provided a relaxing ride, though the non-extending sun visors were a minor annoyance. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, with our test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger arrangement with second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa premium leather, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. Both front seats had heating and ventilation, and the steering wheel was heated. The second-row captain's chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats, with heating, ventilation, and side window shades. The third-row seat was heated, a rarity in this segment, and offered USB-C charging ports and air vents. Storage space was generous, with adjustable front cupholders, door panel trays, and dedicated sleeves for devices. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access to the cargo area, which offered 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, though it lacked the larger touchscreen found in other Mercedes models. The menu structure was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a highlight, overlaying numerical addresses and turn arrows on a video feed. The MBUX system included an off-road page with information like altitude and tire pressure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology was functional but starting to show its age compared to newer Hyundai models. It featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smartphone connectivity required a cable. The system included two-device Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also offered a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system for parking assistance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like ultrasonic rear occupant alert, surround-view camera, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024, though a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test affected its 2025 accolade. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover ratings.