2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

In Canada, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was available in five trim levels, starting with the base model and moving up to the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $72,395, with the Summit Reserve reaching $91,490 before options. The Trailhawk trim, which was tested, included a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group III, and Advanced ProTech Group II, bringing the MSRP to approximately $85,000, including destination charges. Despite its high price, the Grand Cherokee 4xe did not qualify for Canada's EV sales incentives. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. It also featured unique wheels with aggressive all-terrain tires and the Trail Rated badge, signifying its off-road capabilities. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. While the leather and artificial suede upholstery were appealing, the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance, with controls that were difficult to read and locate.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact crossover, was the automaker's best-selling model in North America. The redesign aimed to maintain its loyal fanbase, resulting in a conservative approach. The GLC featured new taillights and a revised rear design, with door handles positioned lower on the sides. The headlights were narrower and more menacing, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece. The Coupe version retained its steeply sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback. The interior was sumptuous, with two-tone Sienna Brown and Black leather upholstery and an optional wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was heavy on gadgetry, with screens, buttons, ambient lighting, and vents, making it class-leading in terms of technology. The AMG GLC 43 SUV test car showcased the brand's commitment to luxury and performance, appealing to those who appreciated a tech-heavy interior.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission with a 100-kilowatt electric motor. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Trailhawk to tow up to 2,720 kilograms. The Trailhawk boasted a standard four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain technology, and a hill descent control system. It also had a front-axle sway bar disconnect system and a height-adjustable air suspension, providing 27.6 centimetres of maximum ground clearance. Despite its impressive off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less refined, with an unrefined gas engine, uneven power delivery, and noticeable body lean in curves. The vehicle offered quick acceleration in Hybrid mode and excellent ride quality, but its handling felt sketchy due to fast steering response and all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's twin-turbocharged V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The GLC 43 used a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, offering faster shifts and better torque handling. However, the performance suspension and rougher shifts made it less suitable for daily commuting. The GLC 43's sporty nature was enhanced by standard four-wheel steering, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoyed cornering. The base GLC 300, with 255 horsepower, was less powerful but still competitive in its class. The GLC's performance models were better suited for those seeking a dynamic driving experience rather than a comfortable daily driver.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space due to its off-roading hardware and upscale interior design. The Trailhawk featured artificial suede and leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front seats were firm and flat, and the rear legroom was tight. The cargo space measured 1,067 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 620 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded down. The GLC Coupe offered 545 litres of cargo volume, increasing to 1,490 litres with the seats folded. The Coupe's hatchback-like configuration allowed for more space when needed, despite its tighter interior.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The Trailhawk had an Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system available on higher trims. The user interface was simple, but the low-contrast graphics made it difficult to read. The voice recognition system was average, and the wireless smartphone charger was optional.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centred around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It included a responsive voice command system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system. The GLC also offered an off-road dash display with a "Transparent Hood" feature, a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, and additional USB-C ports.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. The Advanced ProTech Group II added intersection collision assist, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe variant.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, adaptive high beams, heated and rain-sensing wipers, and active parking assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and emitting a "pink noise" to protect passengers' hearing. Advanced driver-assistance systems were optional.