2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a hurried project, lacked the refined proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. The aggressive front nose promised excitement, but the design seemed to lose momentum past the A-pillar, resulting in a silhouette that was not significantly different from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add character, but the overall aesthetic fell short of the elegance seen in Mercedes' sedans and coupes. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a testament to luxury, with a harmonious blend of quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The interior's design was both functional and opulent, featuring LED-outlined grab handles and a plethora of high-end materials, although some controls felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that continued to impress even after a decade. Its rugged yet sophisticated appearance, with large wheels and flared fenders, embodied the quintessential SUV look. The Grand Cherokee's design was a significant factor in its enduring popularity, offering a blend of utility and luxury. The model lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo to the high-performance Trackhawk, each catering to different needs. The Summit trim, in particular, exuded luxury with its premium leather, genuine wood, and aluminum accents. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite these drawbacks, the Grand Cherokee's cabin offered a comfortable and upscale experience, albeit with a need for modernization.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG models took performance to another level with AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, allowing the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered instant throttle response, although it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The hybrid EQ Boost system provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, but it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was impressive, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a robust performance with its standard 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and could tow up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology improved fuel efficiency, although it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while the Summit trim offered a comfortable and responsive driving experience. However, the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness on uneven surfaces were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was less practical, with a sloping roofline and narrower rear doors that limited space and accessibility. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a simplified interface and touchpad controls, although some features required setup before driving.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit provided a luxurious interior with supportive seats and a heated steering wheel. The Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package added a touch of extravagance, although it wasn't essential. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, and the rear seats were comfortable but lacked legroom for taller passengers. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia, but large windows and a panoramic sunroof helped alleviate this. Cargo space was ample, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 1,934 litres with the second row folded. However, the Grand Cherokee's interior storage was limited, and the rear-seat entertainment system took up valuable space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for track enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics feature adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE also offered a range of luxury features, including heated armrests, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE a technological marvel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and clear graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition technology worked well, allowing for control of various features. The Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee's technology was not as advanced as the GLE's, it provided essential features and a satisfying user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features provided additional protection in the event of a crash, making the GLE a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while receiving a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, struggled in IIHS testing, earning "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee's headlights also received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded. However, the Summit trim offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system provided added convenience, although it was best used in low-traffic environments.