2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, ensuring it stood out in the crossover class. Its futuristic design was highlighted by a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's design, with its curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a visually satisfying vehicle. The 2025 model was notably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The new N Line S trim, along with the N Line, featured sportier design elements, including body-colored bumpers and cladding. Other trims, such as SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, added visual enhancements like larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, with a solid construction and ample tech features. Notably, 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of models, including the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package. These upgrades included massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs, exclusive paint colors, premium leather upholstery, and Natural Grain Grey Oak interior wood trim. The GLS 450's interior was similar to the smaller GLE-Class, with high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 offered artificial leather as standard upholstery, with options for different grades of leather and various interior trims. Standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's ambiance. The dual 12.3-inch displays provided a cohesive look, and the control layout, including seat adjusters on the doors and a transmission gear-selector stalk, was unique to Mercedes.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered both electric and gas-powered options. The gas-powered models came with two engine choices. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 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 boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, providing active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models also featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The standard Airmatic adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, and the GLS had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. While the GLS 450's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, the turbo-six engine sounded impressive under hard acceleration. The GLS offered a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban and suburban settings.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was reach- and height-adjustable. The interior featured excellent storage options, including 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS 450 included a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a rapid heating system, and heated and cooled cupholders. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage locations were limited, but the glove compartment was spacious.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai’s digital key. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and N Line and Limited trims featured an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. Options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands.

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

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It featured front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a hands-on driver-assistance system. The GLS required active driver participation, and its safety systems performed well in most situations.