2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in its exterior design, made significant strides in its interior aesthetics. The GLE's exterior, despite its aggressive front nose and sloping hood, failed to maintain its promise beyond the A-pillar, resulting in a look that was somewhat indistinguishable from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the overall design lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW or Audi. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, surpassing even some high-end SUVs in terms of opulence. The materials used, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, were a delight to touch, although some controls like the gear selector felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury and comfort, albeit at a high price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe embraced its heritage with a design that resonated with Jeep enthusiasts. The iconic seven-slot grille returned, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row SUV, offering ample space for passengers. The Overland trim, in particular, provided a comfortable and upscale experience with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior did feature a noticeable amount of hard plastic, which raised concerns about durability over time. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee 4xe maintained a comfortable and capable presence, suitable for families seeking a blend of ruggedness and refinement.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved efficiency, although it didn't significantly enhance fuel economy. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive, and its driving experience was akin to a nimble sedan, despite its size.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's standout feature was its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt battery pack. This setup delivered 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 719 km, with 42 km of all-electric range. The vehicle featured E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its electric powertrain, providing instant torque for precise throttle control. However, its towing capacity of 2,721 kg was lower than its gas-powered counterparts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row for seven. The SUV provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was more limited in space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features. The interior was well-appointed, with easy-to-use seat controls and rocker switches for suspension settings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not available with a third row, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Folding the second row expanded cargo capacity from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. The vehicle's interior was comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom for passengers. Despite some hard plastic materials, the Grand Cherokee 4xe served as a capable family vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system offered a range of features, including seat massage, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with sharp displays and a variety of electronic features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options. The My Pages feature allowed for personalized screen layouts, enhancing the user experience. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a digital driver information display, and optional rear-seat entertainment screens. The McIntosh stereo system, available on higher trims, provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The GLE offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and semi-automated control. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera were available on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, although the IIHS had not yet published its results.