2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, presented a robust and boxy design with a long wheelbase and a distinctive snub nose. Its H-shaped LED headlamps were pixelated, aligning with Hyundai's design language, and offered vibrant color options like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal, affecting the overall visual balance. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which featured captain’s chairs in the second row. The interior materials ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical dials for HVAC temperature was appreciated, but the fan speed controls were less intuitive.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of models, with the GLE 450 featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE's exterior design was somewhat bland, but the interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials, including matte-finish wood and metallic accents. The cabin was equipped with sophisticated digital displays and a luxurious steering wheel. The GLE's climate controls were wisely separated from the touchscreen, and the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel worked well, though the stereo volume slider was less precise. The GLE's interior was a testament to luxury, with a focus on comfort and high-quality finishes.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It offered both FWD and AWD options, with the XRT trim exclusively available in AWD. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 231 horsepower. The Santa Fe demonstrated stability in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed transmission downshifts were noted. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though it wasn't suited for rugged terrain.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and included features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view for off-road navigation. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting its performance in city and mountain driving. The steering was overassisted in Comfort mode and lacked precision in Dynamic mode. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical traffic situations. The GLE achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, matching EPA estimates.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and a versatile center console. The XRT trim included heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, with the most third-row legroom in its class and adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet available with the second row folded and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows down. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, facilitating the loading of large items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat offered ample headroom and legroom, though the seating position was low. A third-row seat was available as an option, providing additional seating with USB-C ports. The GLE's cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included practical features like a netted compartment, hooks, and a spare tire under the load floor.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Santa Fe also offered a digital key and a fingerprint scanner for added security. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote access and over-the-air updates.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics and a biometric authentication system. The Exclusive Package included 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 Exclusive Package added online music streaming, enhancing the GLE's entertainment options.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The top trims included a Blind-View Monitor and an expanded driver monitor system. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as a top Good in most categories.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included 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 problematic, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The IIHS named the GLE a "Top Safety Pick+," but the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing.