2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Visually, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class presented a smoother, less sculpted appearance compared to its predecessors. The lines had been softened, and most of the edges and scalloping were refined. This revision contributed to a lower drag coefficient, dropping from .32 to .29, positioning it as a class leader according to Mercedes. The most notable visual transformation occurred at the front end, which rendered the vehicle handsome, though unoffensive in nature. Internally, the GLE-Class impressed with its extra headroom and 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, providing additional legroom and an optional third-row seat, although our tester lacked this option. Unfortunately, the special $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint displayed a noticeable orange-peel effect, raising concerns about quality on such a premium vehicle. Starting at $53,700, the GLE 350 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Our test car's price included various add-ons like black leather upholstery, multi-contour front seats, and a cabin air purifier, which was not particularly appealing. The total walkaway price for our heavily optioned test vehicle totaled $78,370, reflecting the extensive list of available extras. On the other side, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L debuted as a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the old two-row version. It was an extended-length iteration of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, boasting a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Stylistically, the Grand Cherokee L was an instant hit due to its compact resemblance to the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, with a signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Offered in six trims ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, our Summit trim test vehicle was loaded with features, including four-wheel drive (4WD), the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Despite the sophisticated appearance and technology, some interior materials under scrutiny failed to meet the high standards associated with a top-tier price point of $64,770.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class's GLE 350 model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine reminiscent of the A-Class sedan’s engine, but with a significant power boost to 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This made the GLE 350 sufficiently powerful at higher speeds. However, from a standstill, the vehicle experienced noticeable turbo lag, likely due to its nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was another point of contention for its lack of smoothness. Despite its smooth and powerful engine, the 9-speed automatic transmission did not match the refinement of BMW’s 8-speed counterpart. Still, the GLE 350 4Matic had a competitive starting price of $56,200, edging out the BMW X5 by about $4,000, although the latter offered a more powerful turbocharged inline-6 as standard. Fuel economy figures stood at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. For the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and available as either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or with three different 4WD systems. This setup allowed a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, with EPA ratings estimating 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine was available for Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, offering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity bump to 7,200 pounds. However, the combined fuel economy dropped to 17 mpg. Our V6-powered 4WD test vehicle provided brisk acceleration but became loud when revved high. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, though it occasionally resisted downshifts to promote better fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg on our testing loop, below expectations. Despite the Sport mode offering better ride control, it kept the engine revved uncomfortably high. Off-road modes and the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system facilitated impressive off-road capabilities. In daily driving, its smooth ride was apparent, though it felt soft over uneven pavement. Large 20-inch wheels and variable-ratio steering contributed to competent handling.

The extended wheelbase of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class added around 3 inches, significantly enhancing interior space, especially in the second row. The GLE-Class offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 79.4 cubic feet with seats folded down. The new interior layout featured dual 12.3-inch screens, although adjusting to two such large screens and a head-up display (HUD) took some getting used to. Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L in Summit trim offered an opulent experience with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the air conditioning vents were inadequate for rapid cooling, especially in hotter climates. The second row featured ample legroom, and the third row was surprisingly comfortable for adult passengers. Cargo capacity for the Grand Cherokee L stood at 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Storage solutions for front-seat occupants were limited compared to the Mercedes.

The GLE-Class excelled in technology with the standard MBUX infotainment system, featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens. Highlights included augmented reality navigation, a comprehensive HUD, and a natural voice control system. Despite a few glitches in voice control, likely due to the pre-production unit, the system held a promising future for tech enthusiasts. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, touted as five times faster than its predecessor, with touchscreen options of 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch sizes. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which delivered a satisfying user experience once acquainted. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a robust natural voice-recognition system were notable features, although occasional quirks persisted. Our test vehicle was equipped with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which, despite its superb sound quality, stylistically clashed with the interior. Additionally, the Jeep offered a digital rearview mirror, thermal-imaging night vision, and a "Fam Cam" rear-seat monitoring system, making it family-friendly and technologically adept.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered advanced safety technologies including Attention Assist, which monitored driver fatigue. However, the system's performance at high speeds was mixed, with lane-keeping assistance struggling to maintain a steady course, often requiring driver intervention. No crash-test ratings were available at the time of review. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While functional, the steering felt artificial and overly responsive at lane changes. The Jeep also featured Intersection Collision Assist and various driver aids like parallel and perpendicular park assist. Like the GLE-Class, crash-test ratings were not available during the review, but improvements were expected over the previous generation.