2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted appearance compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and removal of most edges and scalloping contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, resulting in a handsome, if unoffensive, vehicle. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable since its debut, though the short grille opening and swept-back headlights remained divisive. The exterior's appeal varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded crossover market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, it 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 but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. None of these engines provided outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of front-wheel drive (FWD) aimed at rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers was a notable difference from the Wrangler.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on options, it offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the steering wheel's position often blocked part of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but the brake pedal vibrated with the bass.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a niche between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee's 102 cubic feet of passenger volume was competitive, though not class-leading. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's quality. The Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale materials like suede and perforated Nappa leather.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding. The dual 12.3-inch screens and head-up display (HUD) were significant upgrades, offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, was less reliable in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows and road lines.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, both of which were user-friendly and responsive. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, a feature not offered by all competitors. The Uconnect system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a win for Cherokee buyers, providing a familiar and reliable interface.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but its suite of autonomous safety systems was impressive. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were less reliable at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows and road lines.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS but received "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, full-speed forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.