2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a somewhat polarizing exterior design. While it featured an aggressive nose and a sloping, low hood, the overall look past the A-pillar remained reminiscent of older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like appearance, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the GLE struggled to match the visual appeal of rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. The redesigned cabin was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures, featuring luxurious materials and advanced technology that made it feel more palatial than any SUV from Porsche or Audi.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass retained much of its previous design, looking like a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude trim, with its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and upscale appearance, did elevate its look somewhat. Inside, the Compass made significant strides in sophistication, especially in the High Altitude specification. The new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats contributed to a more premium feel. The addition of sound deadening further enhanced the cabin's ambiance, making it a more convincing premium SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine setups. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took this further with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power, with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, and 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, respectively. The GLE's hybrid system provided up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for brief periods, enhancing performance without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a ride quality that was both comfortable and controlled.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. This "Tigershark" engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models and a six-speed automatic for FWD models. The engine's performance was underwhelming, often feeling slow and unresponsive. The automatic stop/start system was also slow to re-engage, leading to a less satisfying driving experience. However, the Compass did offer Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and the Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities. The Compass High Altitude averaged 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 25 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a roomy two-row SUV with an optional third row, allowing seating for up to seven. The second-row seats offered power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats and had less cargo space, with 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet with all rows folded. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, featuring a single touchpad and a simplified interface.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen, provided a significant upgrade in technology. The Compass could carry 27.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seat and up to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, exceeding the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, Seat Kinetics for automatic seat adjustments, and a natural voice assistant. The head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors. The GLE also included advanced features like a perfume dispenser, heated armrests, and semi-automated driving functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. The Compass also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, although it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and featured standard forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE also had Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for additional protection in a crash.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Compass had some issues with false positives from the forward-collision warning system and needed improvements in headlight performance.