2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a variety of aluminum wheel designs. The attention to balance, proportion, and detail was evident, making it a visually appealing SUV. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured unique 20-inch wheels, a performance vented hood, and special leather seats, giving it a sporty yet upscale appearance. However, the interior was marred by hard plastic panels, a squeaky driver’s door panel, and a loose-feeling center console lid, which detracted from the overall build quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a modern and sophisticated look with its new front fascia, trapezoidal grille, and angled LED headlights. While the GLC 300 lacked visual drama, the AMG versions added flair with wide tires and a lower stance. The interior was a standout feature, with high-quality materials like stained gray ash wood and leather, offering impeccable fit and finish. The GLC's interior was praised for its luxurious feel, although the exterior design was considered somewhat bland compared to competitors.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there were options like the 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, the 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, and the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X trim featured the Quadra-Drive II system, providing excellent off-road capabilities. However, the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.3 mpg during testing. Despite its robust acceleration and decent handling, the brakes struggled during long descents, highlighting the need for the upgraded braking systems in the SRT and Trackhawk versions.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, paired with either RWD or 4Matic AWD, improved the driving experience compared to previous models. The AMG GLC 43, with its 385-hp twin-turbo V6, offered exhilarating performance, while the AMG GLC 63 models boasted even more power with their V8 engines. However, the GLC 300's steering and handling were criticized for body roll and vague steering, making the AMG upgrades worth considering. The GLC 300 4Matic achieved an average fuel economy of just under 22 mpg during testing.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a spacious interior for a family of five, with comfortable power-adjustable and heated front seats. However, rear passengers faced discomfort from hard plastic front-seatback panels. Storage space was limited, with small door-panel bins and a center console storage bin. The cargo area offered 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with the MBUX system offering a user-friendly experience. The interior accommodated four adults comfortably, though the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than some competitors.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an upgraded Uconnect system available on higher trims. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system was effective, and the 9-speaker Alpine audio system provided good sound quality, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system offered advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While some features were ahead of their time, the system was generally user-friendly. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a Poor rating for the front passenger. The 3-star rollover resistance rating further highlighted its safety shortcomings.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC excelled in safety, earning a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. New for 2020 was the Exit Warning Assist, which used radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features like Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming showcased Mercedes' commitment to safety.