2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

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, enhancing its appeal. The Palisade's exterior was characterized by balanced forms and tasteful body sculpting, offering an upscale appearance that belied its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim level exuded a clean, modern, and upscale feel. The higher trims, like the Calligraphy, featured premium materials such as leather, artificial suede, and metal speaker grilles, elevating the Palisade to a near-luxury status. However, some metallic-surface control markings were difficult to read in daylight. The Palisade was also packed with thoughtful details, including USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and drink holders accessible to children. Hyundai offered the Palisade in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the destination charge.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, available in several variants including the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, offered a luxurious experience with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, which added AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS boasted high-quality materials and detailing, although we noticed body creaks on chilly mornings. The interior was similar to the smaller GLE-Class, with standard artificial leather upholstery and options for various grades of leather and interior trims. The GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, which were well-integrated into the dashboard. Despite some idiosyncratic control layouts, the GLS offered a tailored feel, making it easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger luxury SUVs.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade offered front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined, dropping to 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics remained competitive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, with the automatic transmission delivering silky shifts. However, it was not very fuel-efficient, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall during testing. The Palisade's steering and suspension provided a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, although we observed 19.4 mpg during testing. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics. However, the powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, and the hands-on driver-assistance system required active participation from the driver.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, accommodating up to eight passengers in the base SE trim and seven in higher trims with second-row captain’s chairs. Our Calligraphy test vehicle featured Nappa premium leather, eight-way 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 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 of space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with standard four-zone climate control and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled cupholders. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated second-row captain’s chairs with generous legroom. However, storage locations were limited, with a small center armrest bin and shallow door pockets. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The cargo cover was fixed, which could be inconvenient during loading and unloading.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the tech was functional, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade offered two-device Bluetooth support, wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also featured a head-up display, blind spot warnings, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. Options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands. However, it struggled with specific requests, such as finding hospitals.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. 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 received a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test in 2025. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It offered 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 curve-speed reduction technology was overly cautious. The GLS braked harder than necessary in certain situations, but it was easy to override the system.