2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a sleek and athletic design, reminiscent of an upscale sneaker. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork contributed to a sophisticated appearance. Despite the absence of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, the GLE 53 Coupe maintained a luxurious interior with high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, although the lack of traditional controls required some acclimation.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with options for both two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's interior was basic yet durable, with cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler provided a unique driving experience, emphasizing open-air freedom and off-road capability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced power and fuel efficiency, achieving a fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering multiple driving modes and an optional AMG sport exhaust system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a nimble and composed ride, with impressive performance on winding roads.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system offered versatility in various driving conditions. Despite a fuel consumption of 14.0 L/100 km, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and unique driving experience made it a favourite among enthusiasts. However, its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride were well-known traits that added to its charm.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension and added ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the driving position required some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage options were limited, but the Wrangler's rugged design and off-road capabilities made it a unique choice.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system. The touchpad on the centre console was a minor inconvenience, but the overall technology package was impressive.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features, the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated front seats, enhancing the open-air driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required extra care when driving.