2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB had a distinctive yet familiar Mercedes-Benz design. Its 7.9 inches of ground clearance gave it a more rugged stance compared to its siblings, making it suitable for soft roads and urban obstacles. Inside, the GLB boasted a modern and stylish cabin with round shapes and polished metal details, particularly in the HVAC vents and the single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The fit and finish were top-notch, and the beefy steering wheel added to the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was an extended version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee. It featured a third-row seat and more cargo volume, making it a practical choice for larger families. The Grand Cherokee L's design was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of features and pricing. The Summit trim, in particular, showcased quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, although some interior materials fell short of expectations for its price.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. Fuel economy was respectable, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's performance was decent, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in adverse weather conditions, and included the Off-Road Engineering Package for light off-road use.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It came with rear-wheel drive or a choice of three 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, produced 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L's V6 engine provided brisk acceleration but was loud when revved, and the eight-speed transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and various off-road modes made the Grand Cherokee L capable on rough terrain, with up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row in two-row models to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in three-row models. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was spacious for two adults.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, especially in Summit trim, offered a luxurious and comfortable interior with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second row featured captain's chairs with ample legroom and comfort, and manual side window sunshades. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows providing a great view. However, the Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, although some search results were quirky. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. Depending on the trim, 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a range of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were overly responsive. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's safety performance.