2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, quickly became one of the most sought-after vehicles. Following its successful debut, the Bronco returned with two new top-tier models: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking and deep water, featured an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, each with increasing off-road capabilities. However, the 2022 models sold out quickly, leaving many potential buyers disappointed. The Bronco offered a choice between two-door and four-door body styles, four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines, and removable roofs with either soft- or hard-tops.

The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance off-road performance. Its interior continued this theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and floor drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco was equipped with modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes, a digital instrument panel, and a large infotainment touchscreen. Advanced safety features and a full complement of cameras further enhanced its appeal. The Bronco's combination of brawn and brains made it a hit, though its limited availability and high prices were drawbacks.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and riding on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors in total.

The GLE 450e's interior exuded class and luxury, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes provided ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The GLE's cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment, offering a wide range of customization options.

The 2022 Ford Bronco featured a base turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the V6 had a mandatory 10-speed automatic. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's off-road prowess was impressive, with even the base model capable of conquering challenging terrain. The Everglades model, tested on Drummond Island, handled deep-rutted muddy trails, deep water crossings, and steep rock climbs with ease. It could ford water up to 36.4 inches deep and featured a winch for extreme conditions.

On pavement, the Bronco performed well, with precise steering and a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's highway tracking and reduced driver fatigue made it a better road trip companion. Wind noise was a minor complaint, but the absence of tire howl on pavement was a notable advantage.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models: the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, developed 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated 40-mile electric-only driving range. The GLE 450e's electric mode operated at speeds up to 87 mph, with a seamless transition between gas and electric power.

The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed bumps and ruts effortlessly, providing a smooth ride even on 21-inch alloys. Its sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e's performance exceeded expectations, offering a quiet cabin and refined driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's squared-off styling contributed to its spacious interior. Headroom was ample, even for tall passengers, and legroom and lateral space were generous. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but grab handles and side steps helped. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. Clever storage solutions included large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and rubberized phone trays. The Bronco also featured stowable doors and removable fender flares for added utility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row was 33 cubic feet, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children.

The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, and soft-close doors. The GLE 450e's interior was luxurious and well-equipped, offering a high level of comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. G.O.A.T. modes optimized drivetrain and chassis settings for specific terrain, and a forward-looking trail camera provided confidence on challenging trails. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system featured quick responses, sharp graphics, and helpful off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an available wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, leading to occasional issues.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, while the Luxe package included adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three out of five stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Bronco its best score of "Good" in frontal, side, and roof strength tests and "Acceptable" for head restraints and seats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive and functioned well during everyday driving.