2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS was available in several trims, 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, which added 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package. These enhancements 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 Mercedes GLE-Class, offering high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 came with artificial leather as standard upholstery, with options for three different grades of leather and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the control layout, though idiosyncratic, was easy to acclimate to.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied with color and trim level, with body-colored vertical strakes that could be jarring in lighter shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique faceted fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, while the rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim featured a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on buttons was difficult to read. The seats were covered in synthetic leather and suede, with somewhat flat and firm cushions. Surrounding materials were of excellent quality, with various trim surfaces available.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, achieving 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined, though 19.4 mpg was observed during testing. The vehicle featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, and had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Airmatic adaptive suspension significantly improved ride and handling, providing a smooth driving experience. The GLS 450's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but the turbo-six engine sounded sensational under hard acceleration. The GLS offered a tailored feel, making it easier to manage in urban and suburban settings compared to larger SUVs.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Hybrid provided ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. The Telluride was tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride even in the X-Pro Prestige trim with its lifted off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels, but the suspension managed to absorb bumps effectively. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, instilling confidence despite not being particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but brake response was immediate during panic stops.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered seven-passenger seating as standard, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with generous legroom and various comfort-related upgrades available. The third-row seat provided good thigh support, though legroom was snug. Storage locations were limited, but the glove compartment was large. The GLS had 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second-row folded down. The cargo cover was inconvenient during loading and unloading.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The middle-row seats offered significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 89.3 cubic feet with the second-row folded down. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride had a large center bin with deployable cupholders and additional storage options throughout the cabin.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The MBUX system was easy to use, with a digital assistant that could execute various commands. However, the assistant occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The system was easy to use, though it experienced some delays and required hard taps to register inputs. The Telluride offered customization options for the infotainment screen and featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It featured 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 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered standard advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor occasionally triggered false alerts, and the blind-spot cameras were distracting at night. The highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.