2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, presented a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with models like the GLS, GLC, and GLB, yet its more rounded profile paid homage to previous generations and its M-Class predecessor. The GLE featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand’s identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

Inside, Mercedes offered a variety of interior colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan, with the U.S. test car showcasing a Yacht Blue interior. The GLE’s interior felt upscale, featuring chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting that transformed the cabin into a vibrant space at night. These elements contributed to a special and luxurious atmosphere, enhancing the overall appeal of the vehicle.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience, was a black-on-black-on-black model with dark grey wheels, which was less than ideal in a tropical climate. However, once behind the wheel with the windows down and the overhead panels removed, the colour became irrelevant. The Wrangler was available in various trims in Canada, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued after 2024. The Wrangler also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the 4xe, but this review focused on the gas-only models, priced between $42,995 and $80,085.

The Sport S four-door model had a few options, including a $395 black paint upcharge, a $2,095 black hardtop, a $2,495 Convenience Group, and a $2,995 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Despite its $66,070 MSRP in Canada, the Wrangler’s interior was simple, with grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Designed for rugged use, the Wrangler emphasized function over form, maintaining its appeal with a design rooted in its World War II military vehicle heritage and the capability to traverse almost any terrain.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The lineup began with the GLE 350, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. All models in Canada came standard with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive.

The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, also with a mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist, offering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an 80-kilometre electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ featured an enhanced inline-six powertrain, generating 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ housed a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE’s refinement impressed, though it felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades, making urban maneuvering challenging.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler’s standard powertrain was a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission was available, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine offered better performance at higher elevations and slightly improved fuel efficiency, with a Natural Resources Canada rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

During a 300-kilometre evaluation, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler’s standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable in various terrains. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was a concern. The ride was rough, with a disconnected steering feel, and accessing the cargo area was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though Mercedes didn’t publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though outward visibility was limited. The AMG test car’s heavily bolstered front seats made entry and exit challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom comparable to the BMW X5 and more legroom than the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, competitive but less than the GV80 or MDX. With all seats folded, it provided 1,790 litres of cargo space, the most among its competitors. The GLE’s centre console offered reasonable small-item storage, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms matched the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance, tall door sills, and narrow door openings. Step rails were available but could complicate access. Once inside, the front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery suitable for any climate. The Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler accommodated five people, though four were more comfortable. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers risked knee contact with front seatback hooks.

Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The cargo area was accessible by opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, though proximity to other vehicles or walls could hinder access. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and voice recognition, were available, though potentially confusing. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise.

Some GLE models featured an off-road display with steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, along with a “transparent hood” function for the 360-degree camera system. These features, combined with air suspension, enhanced off-road capability.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. An eight-speaker stereo was standard, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system optional. Jeep Connect offered adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The touchscreen remained bright and usable, even with the roof panels removed.

The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between analog gauges, passive entry, door locking, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were part of the optional Safety Group package, aiding reversing when the rear camera was dirty.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were not standard. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and emitting a sound to protect hearing.

The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, automatic speed-limit and curve adaptation, stop-and-go functionality, lane-change assist, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the GLE a 2025 Top Safety Pick+, though its front-crash prevention tech received “Marginal” and “Acceptable” ratings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler included standard side curtain airbags for front and rear seats, a significant safety upgrade. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was exclusive to the Sahara trim.

Other safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler’s crash tests were incomplete, with the NHTSA providing a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated the Wrangler “Good” for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact but “Marginal” for small overlap frontal-impact due to tipping onto its side.