2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup offered various trims, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, though redesigned, maintained a similar appearance to its predecessor, with the most noticeable change being narrower taillights. The GLC's design was timeless, with an available AMG Line package adding some flair. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The interior boasted excellent materials and solid construction, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to rivals. The GLC Coupe models retained their first-generation design, with a coupe-like roofline setting them apart.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked acceleration prowess, and a turbocharger would have improved performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the 4WD system, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its off-road capabilities, offered a 20:1 crawl ratio and 21.9 cm of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. However, the driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD provided smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The GLC's suspension prioritized comfort, offering a smoother ride than its rivals, while the cabin remained nearly silent. The GLC Coupe models retained their older engine, with the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offering a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and the centre console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery. The cabin featured a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders. While the rear seats offered sufficient space for average adults, headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The GLC's cargo area held up to 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with certain requests.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 boasted an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. The lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance were set to be added later. The Compass experienced some false positives with its forward-collision warning system, and crash test results were not yet available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300's crash-test results were pending, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features, with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard.