2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased its top-tier status with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped secure cargo and provided better vehicle corner awareness.

Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad, distinctive dash. Many switches and buttons were sealed for easy cleaning, and the interior featured durable materials like waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Sturdy handholds ensured passenger security, and the interior offered practical features like a grid-like mesh on seat backs for attaching accessories. While the materials weren't as refined as typical SUVs, they were designed for durability, and the Bronco was quieter than a comparable Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while subtle in its aesthetic changes, offered a refined exterior with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added sportiness with a distinct grille and larger wheel options. The GLE coupe, available in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, provided a sleek alternative with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the newer EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was a highlight, though the Bahia Brown seating surfaces gave the cabin a dated look.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 horsepower. All models featured four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided excessive power, enhancing the driving experience. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with quieter interiors. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, though it felt more confident than expected.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered several powertrain options, including the GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The 450e plug-in hybrid, with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivered 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite being slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450, the 450e offered a 48-mile electric range, with a seamless transition between electric and gas modes. The GLE's Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, and the plug-in hybrid felt more comfortable than sporty. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier rear seat access. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes, allowing drivers to optimize engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Camera views and Trail Turn Assist further aided off-road navigation. The Bronco also featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch infotainment display.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though with a smaller screen than other Mercedes models. The system included a touchpad and voice control, with an augmented reality navigation system. The GLE also featured an off-road page in the MBUX system, providing detailed information for enthusiasts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and optional features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash rating and four stars for rollover. IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness, with "Acceptable" headlights for models with the Digital Light package.