2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the revamped C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected for the 2024 model year. Despite being an all-new car, the GLC 300's changes were subtle, with the most noticeable being its narrower taillights. Its grille, roofline, and beltline remained similar to the first-generation GLC, which had been in production since 2016. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. Its styling was classy and substantive, avoiding novelty and allowing the design to endure over time. The interior of the new GLC received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The returning GLC Coupe models maintained their exterior similarity, with a coupe-like roofline that distinguished them from the traditional GLC 300.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, no-nonsense design, reminiscent of driving a brick. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler featured a design with minimal curves, emphasizing its robust aesthetic. Available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for door removal, with an optional Dual-Door Group providing half doors for enhanced visibility. The Wrangler's windshield could fold down, and various top options facilitated open-air exploration. Standard features included wide fenders, Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The Wrangler's interior was practical, with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, and a body-coloured dash with chunky HVAC controls. The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, with limited storage for small items but ample charging points. The Wrangler's hard and soft tops offered flexibility for open-air driving, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top providing a convenient option for natural air conditioning.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was limited to the GLC 300 trim in its first year, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard in Canada. The GLC 300's acceleration was smooth, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. While it provided sufficient power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's powertrain. The brake pedal effort was soft, but the brakes were effective and easy to modulate. The suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling, yet the GLC cornered confidently. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options for off-road enthusiasts. The standard Wrangler came with a Pentastar V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, while the Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 hp and torque. The Wrangler 4xe was a plug-in hybrid with a 17.3-kWh battery pack, offering 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler 392, with its full-time 4WD and Off-Road Plus button, accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in roughly 4.5 seconds. Different Wrangler models had varying off-road transfer cases, with the Xtreme Recon package enhancing the crawl ratio to 58:1. The 392's brakes and steering had flaws, but other powertrains had well-suited brakes and less imprecise steering.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment for comfort, with firm cushioning and well-shaped design for long-distance travel. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLC provided sufficient storage for personal items, with a large centre console bin, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats accommodated average adults, with limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most shoppers. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and rear headroom by 35 millimetres.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with heated seats available in the Sahara High Altitude or 392 models, or through a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were not offered. The rear seat could fit three in four-door models, but space was tight, and rear doors were small. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler offered 2,050 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The hard top could be removed in one piece, with a Sunrider option for the hard top. The soft top was easy to remove, but the plastic rear window could be challenging in cold weather. The Sky One-Touch power soft top provided convenient open-air driving. The Wrangler offered ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system had excellent voice recognition, but voice controls interrupted audio. The new system performed better but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system had no hard buttons, with all features accessed via the touchscreen. Uconnect appeared complicated initially but was intuitive once familiar. Jeep's off-road pages provided detailed information, and connectivity included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler offered practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, but lacked advanced tech like a digital key.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Coupe had additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, with a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top models or part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims having Poor headlight rankings. The Wrangler's safety features could be customized, but lane-keeping assist was not offered.