Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Hyundai Santa Fe or Mercedes GLE fits your lifestyle better.
In the competitive world of SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mercedes GLE stand as shining examples of modern automotive engineering. But when it comes to selecting the right SUV for your needs, how do these two titans compare? Let's dive into the details, examining everything from performance to innovation.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of hybrid powertrains, with power outputs ranging from 215 to 253 HP. The power is delivered smoothly through an automatic gearbox, with options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Santa Fe delivers modest acceleration, clocking in between 9.3 to 9.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, and reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
On the other hand, the Mercedes GLE showcases a more varied power portfolio including diesel MHEV, plug-in hybrid, and petrol MHEV options. Its engines are more robust, offering between 289 to an astonishing 634 HP. With an all-wheel-drive system, the GLE can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.9 seconds, with top speeds varying up to 280 km/h, depending on the model.
Fuel efficiency is commendable in both vehicles, but they serve different priorities. The Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid systems achieve an average fuel consumption as low as 1.7 L/100km, combined with an electric range of 54 km.
The Mercedes GLE, however, stretches its electric and hybrid capabilities further, with plug-in hybrids that offer an electric range of up to 114 km and fuel consumption figures that can be as low as 0.5 L/100km in ideal conditions.
Both SUVs boast spacious interiors appropriate for their segment. The Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4830 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, and 1720 mm in height, offering flexible seating arrangements for 5, 6, or 7 passengers and trunk capacities up to 711 liters.
The Mercedes GLE is slightly more imposing, with dimensions stretching up to 4961 mm in length, 1947 mm in width, and height maxing out at 1797 mm. It offers a standard seating capacity for five, paired with trunk space going up to 655 liters, accommodating a wide variety of needs.
The Hyundai Santa Fe incorporates innovative hybrid technology, making it an eco-friendly choice for families. Hyundai ensures safety and convenience with features like a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Mercedes raises the bar for luxury and innovation with the GLE, integrating the advanced MBUX infotainment system that uses AI to personalize the driving experience. This is coupled with an array of luxury features including high-end materials and finish, ensuring a plush ride every time.
Deciding between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mercedes GLE typically boils down to priorities. The Santa Fe is a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective choice, suitable for those prioritizing functionality and environmental friendliness. Meanwhile, the GLE delivers a mix of luxury, power, and cutting-edge technology for those who crave performance and sophistication.
Ultimately, both SUVs offer unique advantages, catering to diverse preferences in the ever-evolving landscape of automotive excellence. Whether it's Hyundai's practicality or Mercedes' opulence, the choice remains distinct to each driver's lifestyle and taste.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Hyundai Santa Fe has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 51200 £, while the Mercedes GLE costs 76300 £. That’s a price difference of around 25056 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Hyundai Santa Fe manages with 1.70 L and is therefore slightly more efficient than the Mercedes GLE with 2 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.
As for range, the Mercedes GLE performs clearly better – achieving up to 114 km, about 60 km more than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE has a convincingly edge – offering 634 HP compared to 253 HP. That’s roughly 381 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLE is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.90 s, while the Hyundai Santa Fe takes 9 s. That’s about 5.10 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLE performs evident better – reaching 280 km/h, while the Hyundai Santa Fe tops out at 196 km/h. The difference is around 84 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLE pulls decisively stronger with 850 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 470 Nm difference.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Seats: Hyundai Santa Fe offers clearly perceptible more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.
In curb weight, Hyundai Santa Fe is distinct lighter – 1920 kg compared to 2310 kg. The difference is around 390 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers minimal more room – 711 L compared to 655 L. That’s a difference of about 56 L.
In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLE performs barely noticeable better – up to 2055 L, which is about 23 L more than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLE hardly perceptible takes the win – 705 kg compared to 665 kg. That’s a difference of about 40 kg.
The Mercedes GLE proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes GLE is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a refined blend of style and functionality, making it a strong contender in the SUV market. Its modern interior, combined with advanced technology and comfort features, creates an inviting and practical driving environment. With its sleek design and robust performance, the Santa Fe is well-suited for both urban commutes and family adventures.
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@ Hyundai Motor Company
@ Hyundai Motor Company
@ Hyundai Motor Company
@ Hyundai Motor Company
@ Hyundai Motor Company
The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.
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@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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@ Hyundai Motor Company
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@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
51200 - 58400 £
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Price
76300 - 175800 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 7.1 L
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Consumption L/100km
2 - 12.5 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
54 km
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Electric Range
89 - 114 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
24.8 - 25 kWh
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co2
38 - 160 g/km
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co2
53 - 284 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
47 - 67 L
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Fuel tank capacity
65 - 85 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5 - 7
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1920 - 2165 kg
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Curb weight
2310 - 2800 kg
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Trunk capacity
621 - 711 L
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Trunk capacity
490 - 655 L
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Length
4830 mm
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Length
4924 - 4961 mm
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Width
1900 mm
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Width
1947 mm
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Height
1720 mm
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Height
1716 - 1797 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1942 - 2032 L
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Max trunk capacity
1645 - 2055 L
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Payload
560 - 665 kg
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Payload
460 - 705 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
239 - 253 HP
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Power HP
289 - 634 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 9.3 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.9 s
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Max Speed
180 - 196 km/h
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Max Speed
210 - 280 km/h
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Torque
367 - 380 Nm
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Torque
500 - 850 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
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Power kW
176 - 186 kW
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Power kW
213 - 466 kW
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Engine capacity
1598 cm3
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Engine capacity
1993 - 3982 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
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Brand
Hyundai
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.
The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.
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