2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design transformation from its predecessor, which had a polarizing appearance. Initially rumored to be a Fiat design, the Cherokee's styling was a departure from the traditional boxy Jeep look. By 2019, the Cherokee adopted a more conventional front-end design, replacing the previous isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a standard headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the vehicle also saw changes, with the license plate moved to the center of the rear hatch, creating a more typical modern SUV appearance. Inside, the Cherokee retained its practical and functional dashboard layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, with a logical control setup and ample storage compartments. The Cherokee offered various trims, including Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite, each with distinct features and options.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a refreshed front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, drawing inspiration from the A-Class and CLS-Class. While the GLC's design was not considered unattractive, it lacked visual excitement, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires and vertical-bar grille, added some flair, while the GLC Coupe's fastback roof provided a touch of elegance. Despite its understated exterior, the GLC boasted one of the best interiors in the industry, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and featured a reprogrammed transmission for improved performance. However, the GLC 300's steering and handling left room for improvement, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the driving experience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD Limited trims. The 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims came equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, which was also available as an option for lower trims. A new addition for 2019 was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, available across the lineup except for the base Latitude. All engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offering various 4WD systems, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock, enhancing off-road capabilities. The Cherokee excelled in towing, with the V6 engine allowing up to 4,500 pounds and the turbocharged engine up to 4,000 pounds. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient variant achieving 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 300 offered RWD or Mercedes' 4Matic AWD, with the Coupe version standard with 4Matic. The transmission received significant reprogramming, improving performance and responsiveness compared to previous models. The AMG GLC 43, arriving in late 2019, boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering impressive power and performance. The AMG GLC 63 models featured a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, offering up to 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Despite the powerful engines, the GLC 300's steering and handling were criticized for body roll and vague steering. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior was praised for its functional control layout, shared with other Jeep models, allowing easy access to controls without distraction. The cabin offered ample storage solutions, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. A hands-free power liftgate was available, though its sensor was occasionally unreliable. Cargo space was a weak point, with only 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with them folded, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC combined digital and physical controls, with a learning curve for those new to modern Mercedes vehicles. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, offered intuitive control over infotainment functions. The GLC accommodated four adults comfortably, though the back seat's recline mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than rivals like the BMW X3.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a standard 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims, while higher trims received an 8.3-inch Uconnect system. The updated Uconnect system offered improved graphics, responsiveness, and a user-friendly interface with customizable screens. While lacking some advanced features like wireless charging, Uconnect was praised for its reliability and ease of use.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC introduced the MBUX system, offering advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could suggest destinations and contacts based on user behavior and provided Yelp reviews for nearby locations. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports, with optional wireless charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes, though the GLC was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was recognized as a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, achieving top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the GLC a 5-star rating in all crash tests. New for 2020, Exit Warning Assist used radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars, warning occupants for up to 3 minutes after shutting down the vehicle. Other advanced safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.