2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving some exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle featured attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance for a compact Jeep. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening contributed to a more sophisticated cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent subtle exterior changes that were hardly noticeable. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and slight modifications were made to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test vehicle stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The cabin offered a wide range of interior color choices and trims, making it one of the most robust-looking interiors in its segment.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with all-wheel drive, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, and a powerful twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, providing swift performance. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections effortlessly. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, making it spacious enough 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 redesigned dashboard, Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and premium leather upholstery elevated the Compass's perceived quality. The cargo area offered 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five adults, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. While the optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, it was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort and luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. While the voice recognition system was fast and accurate, it occasionally struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't as user-friendly as the best in the industry.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system was feature-rich, with a learning curve, but offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The "Hey Mercedes" voice command system was improved, and the head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with enhanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems generally worked well, there were occasional false positives from the forward-collision warning system. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist and adaptive cruise control. These systems were unobtrusive during everyday driving, providing an extra layer of safety without overreacting to common driving situations.