2019 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant redesign to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The previous generation, rumored to have Fiat origins, featured unconventional design elements that didn't resonate with all buyers. Jeep's designers took a clean-slate approach, resulting in a more conventional front-end design with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear hatch was also updated to a more modern look, moving the license-plate frame to the center. Inside, the Cherokee's cabin retained its sensible and logical control layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, with plenty of storage compartments and a user-friendly design.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother, less sculpted exterior with softened lines and reduced edges, contributing to a class-leading drag coefficient of .29. The front end saw the most significant transformation, resulting in a handsome, if unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom, thanks to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, and introduced an optional third row. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. However, some issues, such as the orange-peel effect on the paint and the positioning of the steering wheel, detracted from the overall experience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The 3.2-liter V6, standard on higher trims, delivered 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, was also introduced. The Cherokee featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and various 4-wheel-drive systems, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road suspension and additional ground clearance, excelled in off-road conditions. The Cherokee's towing capacity reached up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine, and fuel economy varied from 18 to 31 miles per gallon, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided sufficient power at speed, it struggled with turbo lag from a stop, partly due to the GLE's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350's fuel economy was competitive, with 19 miles per gallon city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. However, the start-stop system was notably inelegant, and the overall driving experience was less refined compared to some competitors.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior featured a highly functional control layout, with plenty of storage solutions, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The hands-free power liftgate, available as an option, was a convenient addition, though the sensor was sometimes finicky. Cargo space was limited, with just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short of class leaders like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, providing ample space in the second row. Depending on the configuration, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and up to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior was dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, offering a high level of customizability and setting a new standard for dash design. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping on long drives, though the lumbar support was tricky to adjust. The steering wheel, while chunky and pleasant to hold, often blocked parts of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused some vibration through the brake pedal.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The touchscreen menu was well-organized, with customizable screens and a user-friendly interface, making Uconnect one of the best infotainment systems available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE introduced the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive head-up display. The system offered advanced features like augmented reality for navigation and natural voice control, though the latter was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class. The driver-assistance tech was improved but still had issues at high speeds, and the gesture control worked well. Overall, the MBUX system represented a significant technological leap, despite some initial complexity.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a full array of front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, keyless entry with a panic button, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, rear parking sensors, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Attention Assist monitored the driver's eye contact and head position to detect drowsiness, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent fatigue. However, the safety systems were less effective at high speeds, with the car struggling to maintain a steady course and getting confused by road conditions. Despite these issues, the GLE's safety features were advanced and comprehensive.