2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences indicating its hybrid nature were the blue decals, specific badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats and black leather inserts, with a prominent grab handle for the front passenger. Despite its hybrid status, the interior retained the familiar Jeep feel, with a lot of black plastic and a utilitarian design.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated luxury look, especially in its base GLS 450 form, avoiding the flashy chrome of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS provided a luxurious experience with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall luxury feel. Despite its luxury status, the GLS maintained a subtle elegance, appealing to those who appreciate quality without excessive flashiness.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This setup was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a robust trail-rated experience. The Wrangler 4xe featured a Selec-trac two-speed transfer case in the Sahara grades and a Rock-trac transfer case in the Rubicon, offering various drive settings and impressive off-road capabilities, including 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid system allowed for an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with modes to optimize battery usage and regenerative braking.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS 450 provided ample power for its size, with smooth performance thanks to the inline-six engine. However, the air suspension, while adjustable, lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, leading to excessive body motion over bumps. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, resulting in minimal loss of second-row space. Headroom remained consistent with standard Wrangler models, and legroom was only slightly reduced. Cargo capacity was slightly compromised, with 784 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler 4xe's compact width made it manageable in urban settings, and it included a home charging cable. The optional power-retracting roof added convenience, allowing for easy operation at speeds up to 96 km/h.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, or an optional six-seat layout with captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, providing excellent legroom. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading, with the air suspension aiding in lowering the vehicle for better access. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach and undersized sun visors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The system was user-friendly, with a combination of touch controls and physical buttons for essential functions. The Wrangler 4xe included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for monitoring vehicle performance. However, it lacked some modern tech features, such as a fully digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging, which were surprising omissions for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition being the most effective. The GLS also featured augmented-reality navigation, although the system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The graphics were visually appealing, but the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and challenging to use.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its safety ratings with the standard Wrangler, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS tests but a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test due to tipping over. Rear passenger head protection was also rated as Marginal. The NHTSA rated the Wrangler with four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude, and optional on other grades.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems were optional. The GLS also featured Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.