2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. With a length of 4.63 metres and a wheelbase of 2.83 metres, it was slightly larger than the GLA but just shy of the GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared the distinctive Mercedes-Benz styling DNA, making it challenging to differentiate from its siblings without checking the badge. Its athletic stance was enhanced by a 20-centimetre ground clearance, offering a more forgiving ride over soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy, perforated leather steering wheel adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look, with signature elements like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and seven-slot grille. The plug-in hybrid version was subtly marked by blue decals, badging, and a charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered three grades, with the Unlimited Sahara and Unlimited Sahara High Altitude featuring leather-faced seats and power-adjustable driver’s seats. The top-tier Unlimited Rubicon came with cloth seats as standard, but leather seats with the Rubicon logo were available as an option. The interior combined Dark Saddle brown leather seats, black leather inserts, and a dramatic front passenger grab handle, with a lot of black plastic. Despite the hybrid system, the Wrangler 4xe retained its rugged charm, with minimal compromise on interior space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 gasoline engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive in Canada, the GLB offered a balanced performance. It achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and had an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h. The GLB's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.9 on the highway, and 10.1 combined. Built on a front-wheel drive platform, the GLB featured a four-wheel independent suspension with 235/55R18 wheels, providing a smooth ride. The 4MATIC AWD system enhanced handling in various conditions, with features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a trail-rated performance. The Wrangler 4xe featured a Selec-trac two-speed transfer case in the Sahara grades and a Rock-trac transfer case in the Rubicon, with solid front and rear axles, locking differentials, and a fully articulating suspension. It boasted up to 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid system provided an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes for battery management. The Wrangler 4xe delivered a burst of energy from a stop, with intuitive one-pedal driving, though it wasn't the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered the option of a third-row seat, affecting the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space varied, with 764 litres behind the second row and 1,755 litres with the second row folded in two-row models. In three-row models, cargo space was 144 litres behind the third row, 679 litres behind the second row, and 1,605 litres with the second row folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was comfortable for two adults.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate a battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing space loss. The Sahara grades offered 1,023 mm of headroom and 970 mm of legroom, while the Rubicon with a soft-top roof provided 1,082 mm of headroom. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to gas-only models, with 784 litres behind the second row and 1,908 litres with the seats folded. The Wrangler 4xe's width of 1,875 mm made it manageable in urban settings. A home charging cable was included, stored under the rear cargo load floor. The Rubicon test unit featured an optional power-retracting roof, allowing for on-the-fly opening at speeds up to 96 km/h. The Wrangler 4xe retained its Jeep quirks, like centre stack power window controls, but remained true to its rugged roots.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and added a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Navigation Package included augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist. Additional options included adaptive suspension damping, 64-colour interior ambient lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured Uconnect 4C with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Uconnect was known for its intuitive interface, with hard buttons and dials for critical functions. The system included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for efficiency settings. The instrument cluster had a traditional tachometer and a gauge for electric power usage, with a 7-inch colour information display in the centre. The Wrangler 4xe had four USB ports but lacked a wireless phone charging pad, which was surprising for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added features like active steering assist, active lane change assist, and active blind-spot assist. Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound were also included, enhancing safety in the event of a collision. The GLB had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wrangler models, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it received a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test and rear passenger head protection. 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 on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude but optional on other grades. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.