Trunk comparison: Hyundai Elantra GT Wagon vs Mercedes Benz GLE

Key Differences (highlighted: >10%)

Height of the trunk opening: The opening of the Mercedes‑Benz GLE is 5.5 in (21%) higher than that of the Hyundai i30 Wagon. This makes it easier to load tall items and reduces the risk of getting caught on the threshold.

Loading height / load lip above road level: The load lip of the GLE is 5.9 in (24%) higher above the road. This means significantly more effort is required to lift heavy or bulky loads into the trunk and less carrying comfort for items that are loaded and unloaded regularly.

Width of the trunk opening: The opening of the GLE is 4.7 in (12%) wider. This makes it easier to maneuver wider furniture, appliances, or boxes diagonally or straight through the opening.

Impact on usability

In practice, this means: The GLE is more favorable for loading tall or wide items — the higher opening and larger opening width facilitate handling bulky parts.

At the same time, the higher load lip makes the GLE less practical for frequent lifting of heavy loads; loading and unloading require more effort and are less comfortable for people with limited mobility.

The i30 Wagon offers a lower load lip, making transferring and frequent loading more ergonomic, but it is somewhat limited with very tall or wide loads.

Additional details

The trunk length with the seats folded down is 6.3 in (9%) longer in the GLE — a measurable but below 10% advantage. With the front seats upright, the lengths of both models are the same.

Depth (load lip to trunk floor) is identical. The narrowest width in the trunk is only 1.2 in (3%) larger in the GLE and thus insignificant for most applications.