2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, and opinions on its design had softened over time. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially polarizing, they became more accepted after seven years. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD) had a more generic look, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined appearance. Jeep's attention to roof design was notable, with the Cherokee featuring an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinct look helped it stand out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, on the other hand, embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, setting it apart from the aggressive styling trends of its competitors. The GLC's design language, characterized by a long hood and wide grille, gave it a dramatic stance reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. The interior of the GLC was a masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated automotive design to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look. Standard features on the GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the interior boasted synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a fully digital instrument panel. Optional packages added navigation, ambient lighting, and premium sound systems, enhancing the GLC's luxurious appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, each catering to different trim levels. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus trims came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The mid-tier 3.2-liter V-6 engine significantly boosted output to 271 hp. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 270 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful option. Despite these engine choices, the Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with the V6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All Cherokee models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which included features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, primarily to keep costs down for rental fleets.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the option of rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The GLC's powertrain was responsive, with precise steering and confident handling, striking a balance between refinement and performance. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLA 45 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLA 63 featured a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 horsepower, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, the Cherokee fell short in terms of utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom of its class. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels influencing the overall feel. The base Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale materials like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC's interior made efficient use of space, with a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom. Overall, the GLC's interior was well-designed and practical.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control integration. The system was available with either a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. Both screen sizes offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience for various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, offering a familiar and reliable experience for Cherokee buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, a center console touch controller, and an advanced voice-control system. The MBUX system was intuitive, offering both touch and controller options for navigating menus. The steering wheel included touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the main infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus. Despite this minor inconvenience, the MBUX system was highly regarded for its functionality and ease of use.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for the ease of use of the LATCH child seat anchors. The Cherokee's headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and lower trims rated "Marginal." The NHTSA awarded the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. 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 available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional standard features included front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. However, the parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive, leading to false positives. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. Some of these features were standard on rival models.