2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, introduced in 2020 and carried over to 2021, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among pragmatic yet affluent customers, offering a luxurious, family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The name change to "GLS" occurred midway through the model's second generation. Despite its large size, the 2021 GLS appeared more svelte than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and lines. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant 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 V8 power and additional luxury features like massaging front seats and five-zone climate control. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior, including a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather stripe at top-dead-center.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing two-row Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Jeep's decision to release it as a 2021 model added some confusion, but its styling alone promised strong sales. The Grand Cherokee L resembled a smaller version of the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, with signature Jeep design elements like the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches.

Available in six trims—Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve—the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several option packages, totaled $64,770. While some interior materials fell short of expectations at this price point, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing. The redesigned interior represented a significant improvement over the old model, offering a blend of luxury and technology.

The entry-level 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured 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, our test model, came with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled through a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission to all-wheel drive. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. Despite its 5,400+ pound weight, the GLS 63 offered tangible acceleration and impressive cornering abilities, thanks to its adaptive air suspension system and multiple drive-mode settings. The GLS also featured E-Active Body Control, ensuring a smooth and composed ride over various road conditions.

Every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different 4WD systems. The maximum tow rating was 6,200 pounds, and the EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. 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.

Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, offering brisk acceleration but becoming loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved but sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg in our testing, below expectations. The Jeep offered a Sport driving mode and additional Selec-Terrain off-road modes, including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability, making the Grand Cherokee L capable of tackling challenging terrain.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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 front-row seats featured door-mounted controls, while the rear seats provided plenty of space. The third row, though less spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS had 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 driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit trim featured 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 plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view.

The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin underneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down increased cargo capacity to 46.9 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. 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 right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services like a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect 5 system also offered a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo didn't fit the interior's overall vibe.

Depending on the trim level, 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 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 offered stop-and-go cruise control and a full array of front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

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. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. The Jeep also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which steered the Jeep into parking spaces. As of this review, crash-test ratings for the Grand Cherokee L were unavailable, but it was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's aged structure and engineering.