2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which was a refreshing departure from the rugged styling cues often seen in other SUVs. The 2023 refresh gave it a more angular and technical look, replacing the previous chubby-cheeked face. This design choice sparked mixed reactions, but many appreciated the upscale appearance that belied its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and modern look, with higher trims boasting luxury features like premium leather and metal speaker grilles. However, some metallic-surface control markings were difficult to read in daylight. The Palisade was also packed with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. It was available in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the destination charge.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a more conservative design, especially when compared to the brand's Superscreen and Hyperscreen treatments. The GLE 450 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features. However, the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighted the GLE's egg-on-wheels styling, which was not universally appealing. Inside, the GLE 450 boasted a luxurious cabin with matte-finish wood, metallic accents, and sophisticated digital displays. The steering wheel was elegantly designed, and the climate controls were wisely separated from the center touchscreen. Despite its luxury status, the GLE's standard suspension allowed too much body motion, and the steering felt numb and overassisted in Comfort mode.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional AWD system available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in combined driving, dropping to 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics held up well, 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, the Palisade's fuel efficiency fell short of EPA estimates during testing, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, except for the base GLE 350, provided power delivery. The GLE 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, and the steering felt numb in Comfort mode. The brakes were effective during spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The GLE's fuel economy matched the EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving during testing.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, accommodating adults comfortably. Our test vehicle featured a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs, while eight-passenger seating was standard on the base SE trim. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, providing excellent comfort. The third-row seat was also heated, a rarity in this segment. The Palisade offered generous storage space, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated sleeves for devices. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access to the cargo area, which offered 18 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's front seats were firm yet comfortable, featuring heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding USB-C charging ports and power-adjustable second-row seats. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a large spare tire under the load floor.

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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection, but the system offered Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided commendable sound. The Palisade also featured a head-up display, blind spot warnings, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The GLE's voice assistant performed well, though it struggled with hospital-related requests.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Palisade SEL added an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, while the Calligraphy model featured automatic braking when parking and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but lost the accolade in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech was limited for a luxury SUV, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE featured Active Emergency Stop Assist and a touch-sensing steering wheel rim. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was a source of frustration. The GLE earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for 2025, but its front-crash prevention tech received low ratings.