Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting snugly as the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Its proportions and styling were distinct, with a taller stance and shorter length compared to its predecessor, giving it a beefier appearance. Despite its compact size, the GLA offered ample visibility from the inside, thanks to its seating positions and greenhouse design. However, the interior materials left something to be desired, with surfaces that were easily scratched and less premium than expected. While the seats were well-appointed, the overall interior did not quite match the luxury expected from a Mercedes, especially when compared to other luxury crossovers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, sharing its frame with the standard Wagoneer, boasted traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It differentiated itself with a black roof and unique grille design, featuring laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer’s interior was a step above the Wagoneer, offering high-end materials and features like 24-way power front seats with massage and lumbar support. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with options for higher-grade materials. The cabin was quiet and comfortable, though the vehicle felt ungainly at higher speeds, with imprecise steering and a bouncy ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants, with the GLA 250 4MATIC powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLA 45 offered increased power, with the latter reaching 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The GLA's AWD system was adjustable through various drive modes, but the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise at high speeds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds, impressive for its size. The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with multiple drive modes and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system, providing excellent off-road capabilities. However, its large size and weight made it less agile, with a bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a more SUV-like seating position with excellent headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats provided more legroom than before, with a 40/20/40 split-fold design. Cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded. The GLA's interior was functional but lacked the premium feel expected from a luxury brand.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven or eight passengers, with more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors. It offered 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and ample storage bins.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, and wireless charging. The system was user-friendly but lacked quick scrolling through radio stations. The GLA also introduced a car-wash function for convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had their own touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system was available. The Uconnect 5 system offered an Android-based operating system with OTA updates, though it was occasionally slow to respond.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features like a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the GLA's safety features were not as comprehensive as some less expensive models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. The Active Lane Management System provided lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.