2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, three-row SUV. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and more. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable since its debut, though opinions on its short grille and swept-back headlights remained mixed. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface.

The Cherokee's exterior design ensured it stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee's interior was straightforward and businesslike, with trim levels dictating the level of luxury. The Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS also featured multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled via a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel. Despite its size, the GLS offered a composed ride, thanks to E-Active Body Control, which smoothed out rough roads and made the SUV maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine choices. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus trims came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available on higher trims, increased 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. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, which had proven to be a capable and fuel-efficient option.

The Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with the V6 engine achieving zero to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and the turbo-four in about 7.4 seconds. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Unlike the Wrangler, the Cherokee was available in front-wheel drive (FWD), making it a more affordable option for rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The GLS also featured numerous storage compartments and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. This was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels dictating the level of luxury. The Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system had a learning curve but made the GLS's extensive technology more manageable.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa. The Cherokee also offered remote start, a feature not available from all manufacturers. The Uconnect system was praised for its ease of use and lack of latency issues, making it a standout feature in the Cherokee.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

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 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 gave 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 with lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.