2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged aesthetic traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, offering a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. The test vehicle, a Limited trim, featured Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents and digital displays contributed to a premium feel, though the price seemed steep for its segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a soft sensuality in its design, which, while bordering on boring, aged well. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, and polished metal accents, creating a striking appearance. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, polished aluminum accents, and rich detailing. The front seats offered comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage programs, while the new steering wheel, despite its touch-sensing controls, was a delight to grip. The GLS provided excellent outward visibility and a commanding view over the hood, making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its powertrain issues with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and off-road enhancements. Despite the improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, with a combined fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The Compass handled well on various terrains, though the AWD system was slow to engage, and the Trailhawk struggled on loose surfaces.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with the mild-hybrid system providing an instant 148 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic AWD system offered smooth power delivery. The GLS 450's driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, allowed for tailored dynamics. With a towing capacity of 3,500 kg and a fuel economy rating of 11.3 L/100 km, the GLS 450 provided a sublime driving experience, with excellent handling and braking performance. The adaptive air suspension and massive tires contributed to its athleticism, while the Off-Road menu in MBUX enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. The Limited trim provided a comfortable seating position and decent rear seat space, though interior storage was limited. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for added convenience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling that could be cumbersome when entering or exiting the vehicle. The front seats offered comfort with leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The GLS provided excellent visibility and a commanding view, while the new steering wheel was enjoyable to use. The heated rear seats and four-zone climate control ensured passenger comfort, though accessing the third row was challenging. The third-row space was snug for adults but suitable for children. Interior storage was decent, with cargo space ranging from 355 litres behind the third row to 2,400 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OTA updates. Depending on the trim, it paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited trim included Alexa Built-in, which was responsive and accurate. The parking assist system and surround-view camera added convenience, though the Compass's size made parking assist less necessary.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics and themes, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and centre console caused occasional frustration. The Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos provided impressive audio quality. MBUX's intuitive operation, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation made it a standout technology, despite minor annoyances.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The lane-keeping assist was sometimes intrusive, and adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter's Top Safety Pick rating pending further testing.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with adjustable ADAS settings through MBUX. The forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems were effective and unobtrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist handled various driving conditions smoothly. The GLS's ADAS provided outstanding performance, with only a minor issue on a two-lane road.