2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 and some build quality issues, such as a squeaky door panel and a loose center console lid, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother, less sculpted design with softened lines and a more aerodynamic profile, boasting a class-leading drag coefficient of .29. The front end underwent a significant transformation, enhancing its handsome appearance. Inside, the GLE offered increased headroom and legroom, thanks to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, and introduced an optional third row. The interior was luxurious, with features like a $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint, though it showed some imperfections. The GLE's cabin was equipped with high-end options, including multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, a Burmester stereo, and a comprehensive technology suite, making it a sophisticated choice for luxury SUV buyers.

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 capability. However, the added weight and driveline friction impacted fuel economy, with real-world figures falling short of the 21-mpg combined rating. Despite its robust acceleration and handling, the Grand Cherokee's brakes struggled during extended downhill driving, highlighting the need for upgraded braking systems in higher-performance models.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, the engine felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent, though not as smooth as competitors. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. However, the start-stop system was less refined, and the GLE's performance was overshadowed by the BMW X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 engine, which offered more power and better acceleration.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a 5-passenger midsize SUV, provided adequate space for families. The power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, but 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. Cargo capacity was modest, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, resulting in a spacious second row. Depending on the configuration, it offered 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel occasionally obstructed the view of the screens, and the Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an upgraded Uconnect system available on higher trims. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice-recognition technology. The voice recognition was excellent, easily finding points of interest and plotting routes. The test vehicle featured a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased the new MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display. The system was deep and complex but offered advanced features like augmented reality navigation. The voice control system, while promising, was less effective in the pre-production model tested. The GLE's driver-assistance technology was superior to competitors, though it struggled at high speeds. The steering-wheel controls were intuitive, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver and a Poor rating for the front passenger from the IIHS. The rear-drive model received a 3-star rollover resistance rating from the federal government, making it one of the least-safe SUVs available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked current safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it boasted an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the safety systems struggled at high speeds, causing the vehicle to sway within the lane. Despite these issues, the GLE's safety technology was more advanced than many competitors.