2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive 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 was slightly longer than the GLA but shorter than the GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's design featured a healthy 7.9 inches of ground clearance, giving it a more forgiving stance for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, highlighted by round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were top-notch, with a beefy steering wheel adding to the overall appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and look. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the left base of the windshield being the main differentiator. When running on battery power alone, the Wrangler 4xe was silent except for the pedestrian notification system, which turned heads as it moved through Yosemite National Park. Our Firecracker Red test vehicle, equipped with Rubicon trim and over $13,000 in options, had a price tag of $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look with some unique touches like blue seat stitching and special PHEV gauges. The interior offered more soft-touch materials than expected, with practical controls and robust grab handles hinting at its off-road capabilities. Despite its purposeful simplicity, the Wrangler 4xe's interior was better outfitted than any previous Wrangler.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. Built on a FWD platform, the GLB offered a four-wheel independent suspension with 8.0 x 18-inch wheels. With a curb weight ranging from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for those planning to drive on unpaved roads.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup delivered a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to accelerate from 0-60 mph in six seconds. The battery provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving, with an efficiency rating of 49 MPGe combined. When used as a hybrid, the EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each optimizing power and efficiency based on driving conditions. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, enhancing overall efficiency. Despite its noisy freeway performance and susceptibility to cross-winds, the Wrangler 4xe provided a unique driving experience with its blend of electric and gasoline power.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice: whether to add the third-row option. In the five-passenger configuration, the GLB provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger configuration, cargo space was reduced to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The third row was best suited for children or short trips for smaller adults due to its modest legroom and headroom. The front row featured highly adjustable, supportive seats with available heating and ventilation, while the second row offered comfort for two adults. Modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders met expectations.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into due to its high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim. Once inside, passengers found the Wrangler 4xe comfortable, with a classic driving position offering clear views over the hood and front fenders. Manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position, though repeated use could cause the seats to lower. The center console offered limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever, with small bins and netting for smaller items. Rear-seat space was adequate for upright sitting, with air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a 115-volt power outlet available. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a storage bin under the load floor for the charging cord. Folding the back seat down increased the maximum volume to 72.4 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came 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. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Advanced options like adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality despite wind noise. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel offered charging time estimates, and the blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard provided a quick view of charging status.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like 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 the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems bundled in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the standard headlights were rated Poor. The Wrangler earned a Marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over in two tests. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.