2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its more ostentatious competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided the flashy grilles seen on models like the BMW X7, opting for a more subtle design. However, for those seeking a bit more flair, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered enhanced visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS maintained a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, even in its more basic configurations. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-quality yet robust interior suitable for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, particularly in the Trailhawk trim, showcased a rugged aesthetic with sky blue exterior detailing and a matte-black hood decal. While the exterior hinted at its off-road capabilities, the interior fell short of luxury expectations. The use of plastic and gloss black surfaces detracted from the upscale feel, and the interior design prioritized style over practicality. Despite the inclusion of features like heated and ventilated seats, the overall comfort and quality did not match the premium price tag. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior was more about rugged utility than luxury, with some ergonomic challenges and limited storage options.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated, offering a smooth driving experience. However, the air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Trailhawk trim featured a robust 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain technology, enhancing its off-road prowess. Despite impressive specs, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's real-world performance fell short, with an all-electric range of 42 kilometres and a combined fuel economy of 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The vehicle's handling was hampered by uneven power delivery and regenerative braking, and the steering response felt too quick for the all-terrain tires.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward to increase legroom, and the GLS boasted the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension facilitated easy loading and unloading, although some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, particularly in the Trailhawk trim, offered a less spacious interior with limited practical storage. The front seats, while equipped with heating and ventilation, were firm and flat, and the second-row seats lacked support. Rear legroom was tight, and the cargo space was 1,067 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the rear seats folded. This cargo capacity was smaller than some compact SUVs, and the interior design prioritized style over functionality, with limited storage options and some ergonomic challenges.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation. The GLS also included an augmented-reality navigation feature, although the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk trim included a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Uconnect 5 system provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. While the user interface was straightforward, the graphics were low-contrast and difficult to read. The Trailhawk also featured an Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment system offered configurable options, but the placement of some controls was less than ideal.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. Additional features like a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control were available as options. The GLS also included the Pre Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision by tightening seat belts and closing windows. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist as standard safety features. The Advanced ProTech Group II added an intersection collision assist system, a surround-view camera, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for driver protection in a frontal-impact collision. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, although this did not specifically apply to the 4xe plug-in hybrid version.