2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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, reminiscent of its predecessors, lacked the refined proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. Despite its aggressive front, the design seemed to lose momentum past the A-pillar, resulting in a look that was more utilitarian than luxurious. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes transformed the GLE's cabin into a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black colour scheme that exuded opulence. The interior featured high-quality materials such as wood, metal, and leather, and was equipped with innovative elements like LED-outlined grab handles and expansive digital displays, creating an environment that was both luxurious and technologically advanced.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile, with distinctive elements like a black roof and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer differentiated itself with model-specific design touches and larger wheel options. Inside, it offered a high-end experience with premium materials such as Nappa leather and American Walnut wood trim. The interior was spacious, with features like 24-way power front seats and a host of convenience features that elevated its luxury status. Despite its traditional styling, the Grand Wagoneer aimed to provide a premium experience through its attention to detail and high-quality materials.

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 higher trims like the GLE 450 and AMG GLE 53 boasted sophisticated air suspension systems like AIRMATIC and AMG Ride Control+. These systems provided adaptive damping and self-leveling capabilities, enhancing ride comfort and handling. The AMG GLE 53, in particular, featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, added an extra 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, improving performance without significantly impacting fuel efficiency. All GLE models came with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the vehicle's towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The vehicle featured a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Grand Wagoneer also came with a Quadra-Lift air suspension system, providing adjustable ride height for various driving conditions. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a more leisurely driving style, as its large size and weight made it less agile than some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models configured as two-row SUVs, though a third-row option was available. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the vehicle provided ample cargo space, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was more limited in space due to its sloping roofline, offering 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats down. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall user experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled in interior space, seating seven with standard captain's chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres available with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to tow heavy loads. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone climate control, and ample storage, though forward visibility was somewhat limited by the vehicle's hood design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant for gesture control. The system allowed for personalized shortcuts and offered features like seat massage and ambient lighting with 64 colours. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, and the vehicle's navigation system provided augmented reality directions. The GLE also supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its voice assistant could perform a variety of tasks, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual touchscreens. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and featured a McIntosh audio system for premium sound quality. Second-row passengers had access to their own touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added further convenience. The Uconnect 5 system, based on an Android operating system, offered over-the-air updates, though some users found the screen response time to be slow.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE also offered advanced systems like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, being a new model, had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came standard with a range of safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. The Active Lane Management System provided lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.