2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, maintained its bold, boxy design since its debut in 2024. Its three-row configuration featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps, aligning with Hyundai's design language. The SUV offered vibrant color options like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue, standing out amidst the typical gray and white hues of many SUVs. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with pixelated taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had unique wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the off-road-focused XRT trim added chrome and black accents. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs in the second row. Interior materials varied from cloth to Nappa leather, but some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, though the fan speed controls were less intuitive.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, available in four trims, ranged in price from $91,600 to $181,350. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, styling packages, and exclusive interior upgrades. The GLS boasted high-quality materials and detailing, though body creaks were noted on cold mornings. Standard features included artificial leather upholstery, with options for higher-grade leather and various interior trims. The GLS offered a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin and composed ride. Its dual 12.3-inch displays provided a retro yet luxurious feel, and the MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly. Despite occasional delays in responsiveness, the GLS delivered a smooth driving experience, with a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower. The GLS excelled in urban and suburban settings, offering a manageable size and supple ride compared to larger luxury SUVs.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided stable handling, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The XRT trim included 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the Santa Fe was not suited for rugged terrain, performing best on graded dirt roads.

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 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin and composed ride, though occasional delays in responsiveness were noted. Its powertrain delivered a satisfying sound under hard acceleration, and the SUV excelled in urban and suburban settings.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of features across its trims, with the base SE trim providing essentials like a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim included premium features like heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. 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, accommodating larger items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats and a heated steering wheel. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated second-row captain’s chairs. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The GLS excelled in passenger comfort, though storage locations were limited. The hands-free power liftgate facilitated easy loading, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome.

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

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the 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. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant for voice commands. The system performed well, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with some exceptions.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist. It featured a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The GLS required active driver participation, with some limitations in handling curves. The braking system occasionally applied excessive force, but overall, the GLS provided a smooth and refined driving experience.