2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening contributed to a more sophisticated cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent subtle exterior changes that were hardly noticeable. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and slight modifications were made to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test vehicle stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the engine, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 4WD and off-road capabilities, offered a more capable experience for light off-roading and snowstorms.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, with the GLE 450e standing out for its acceleration, suspension tuning, handling, and fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor produced a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, delivering swift acceleration. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it easy to maneuver, and its driving dynamics exceeded expectations.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with upgrades enhancing its premium feel. The front seats provided 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while a dual-pane panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's appeal. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the centre console offered increased storage. The Compass boasted 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five adults, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, with the option for a third-row seat in certain trims. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The GLE 450e test vehicle was equipped with a range of luxury features, including a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.

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 display as standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. While the voice recognition system was fast and accurate, it had some limitations in filtering search results.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was feature-rich, with a learning curve, but offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The "Hey Mercedes" voice command system was improved, and the optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected to be added later, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. However, the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The Compass had not yet received updated crash test results from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive during everyday driving, and the current generation received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year.