2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. While it maintained a modern edge with its menacing LED headlights, it avoided the aggressive styling seen in some competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an artful blend of soft lines and curves, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen with rounded edges. Mercedes-Benz was known for its minimalist approach, and the GLC's interior set the standard for compact luxury SUV cabins.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee embraced traditional Jeep design elements while incorporating modern touches. Its styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. The Grand Cherokee offered a black roof option and promised more paint colours in the future. Inside, the Grand Cherokee's cabin was comfortable and well-appointed, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims offered luxurious features like quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. The redesign improved visibility, enhancing driver confidence both on and off-road.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, but even in Comfort mode, the engine provided ample power. The AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S variants offered more potent powertrains, with the latter boasting a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 503 horsepower.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kg, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kg. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, catering to different off-road needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble than its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced it to 1,400 litres. The GLC's interior was well-utilized, with a spacious centre console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was decent, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the rear seats folded. The cabin was comfortable, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. Higher trims offered additional luxury features. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with both touch controller and touchscreen options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with features like a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional front passenger interactive display provided entertainment options for the front-seat occupant.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, and a hands-free version was expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, promising improved crash protection.