Compare performance (288 HP vs 634 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 136,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai Santa Fe or Mercedes GLE?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
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 is clearly cheaper – starting at 51,700 £ , while the Mercedes GLE costs 136,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 84,758 £.
Both cars consume an average of 3.8 L/100km – no difference here.
As for electric range, the Mercedes GLE offers significantly more range – reaching up to 92 km, about 38 km more than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE offers substantially more power – delivering 634 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 346 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLE is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the Hyundai Santa Fe takes 8 s. That’s about 4.1 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLE delivers clearly more torque with 850 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 470 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Seats: Hyundai Santa Fe offers more seats – 7 vs 5.
In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Fe is noticeably lighter – 1,920 kg compared to 2,375 kg. The difference is around 455 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers only slightly more boot space – 704 L compared to 655 L. That’s a difference of about 49 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLE carries very slightly more – 675 kg compared to 665 kg. That’s a difference of about 10 kg.
The Mercedes GLE is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Hyundai Santa Fe blends practical family friendliness with a hint of premium style, offering roomy, sensible packaging wrapped in modern, confident design. Inside it serves up comfortable seats, straightforward tech and a calm, composed ride that makes daily drives feel a little more grown up — a solid all‑rounder that doesn’t try to be flashy.
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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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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
51,700 - 58,600 £
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Price
136,500 - 175,800 £
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Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 7.2 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 12.5 L/100km
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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 - 92 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
90 - 162 g/km
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co2
86 - 284 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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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
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,920 - 2,165 kg
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Curb weight
2,375 - 2,800 kg
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Trunk capacity
621 - 704 L
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Trunk capacity
490 - 655 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,900 mm
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Width
1,947 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
560 - 665 kg
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Payload
470 - 675 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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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
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
239 - 288 HP
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Power HP
457 - 634 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 5 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
380 Nm
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Torque
520 - 850 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
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Power kW
176 - 212 kW
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Power kW
336 - 466 kW
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Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
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Engine capacity
2,999 - 3,982 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
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Brand
Hyundai
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España