2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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, 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 featured 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 levels: 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 automatic climate control. 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 fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced over a decade ago, continued to impress with its timeless design in 2021. Combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication, the Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its enduring success. It defied easy categorization, fitting into mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV segments. The 2021 lineup included affordable trims like Laredo and Limited, upscale models like Overland and Summit, performance variants like SRT and Trackhawk, and the off-road-capable Trailhawk.

For 2021, the Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited received minor updates, and new versions like the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition debuted. Pricing ranged from about $35,000 to nearly $90,000. The Summit trim, tested with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and four-wheel drive, featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum interior accents. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee Summit's cabin exuded luxury with its quilted seat bolsters, wood-and-leather steering wheel, and partially digital instrumentation.

The 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, 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. Despite its 5,400+ pound weight, the GLS 63 offered tangible acceleration and precise cornering, thanks to its adaptive air suspension system and multiple drive-mode settings. The GLS 63's E-Active Body Control provided a composed ride, effortlessly gliding over rough roads and offering easy maneuverability in urban settings.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offered a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving.

The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain traction management, provided excellent off-road capabilities. The Quadra-Lift air suspension offered 4.1 inches of variability, enhancing both on-road efficiency and off-road ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee Summit delivered a responsive and fairly quiet ride, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were notable drawbacks. Its tight turning radius and effective brakes made it practical for both urban and off-road driving.

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 driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, though the center console was relatively small.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured flat, firm, and supportive seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while comfortable, offered somewhat snug legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia, though large side windows and a panoramic sunroof helped alleviate this. Interior storage was adequate, but the rear-seat entertainment system's DVD/Blu-Ray player occupied much of the center console bin.

The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with additional storage bins around the spare tire. Folding the second-row seats was easy, expanding cargo space to 68.3 cubic feet. The power liftgate closing button was conveniently located for shorter drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the new MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad controller. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required 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. While there was a learning curve, the system made the GLS's extensive technology more manageable.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times, pleasing graphics, and separate stereo controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM provided satellite radio, Traffic Plus, Travel Link services, and SiriusXM Guardian for remote access and emergency services. The voice recognition technology worked well, allowing control of many features through voice commands. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

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. Additional 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 airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a concern. While the 4WD model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, the 2WD model's rating dropped to four stars due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated the Grand Cherokee "Marginal" for driver safety and "Poor" for front passenger safety in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The headlights also rated "Poor" unless upgraded. The Summit trim included numerous safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Grand Cherokee also offered a backup camera, parking sensors, and a ParkSense parking assistance system.