2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the older five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential for confusion with its naming, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was expected to drive strong sales, especially with the arrival of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. It was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous features, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the interior was a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle look compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The Maybach model also included luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version had a performance-oriented interior with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. The test car's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated into the upright dashboard, enhancing the overall luxury feel. The GLS 450's interior was high quality without being fragile, making it suitable for surveying a country estate from behind the three-spoke steering wheel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg in testing, below expectations. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered better ride control in Sport mode, and the Selec-Terrain off-road modes included Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock. The Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with an electronic locking differential and low-range transfer case setting was available on the Summit trim. The Quadra-Lift suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with easy parking aided by a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The electric motor also served as the starter and powered most accessories, reducing the engine's workload. The GLS 450's six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The inline-six engine was smoother than a V6, making it a perfect fit for a luxury vehicle. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners, which detracted from the overall comfort. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring individual captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the standard bench seat sliding fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The GLS had one-touch power-folding second-row and third-row seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension lowering for easier loading. However, the touchscreen was too far away to reach easily, and the center console had grab handles with no obvious purpose. The two-piece sun visors were also not big enough to block the sun effectively.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system sounded terrific, especially for bass enthusiasts. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with an optional head-up display. The MBUX system offered multiple input methods, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, small touchpads on the steering wheel, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system, responding to "Hey Mercedes," was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well. The touchpad controller was too sensitive and difficult to use. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good-looking graphics, though the GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature available in the S-Class sedan. The embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes, reducing confidence in its reliability.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system aimed to reduce driver fatigue on long highway trips, though the steering assist felt artificial. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a complete package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a collision. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.