2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase also stretched five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first as a 2021 model, delaying the two-row version until 2022, which contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but modernized the lighting and improved the paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, while new exterior paint colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky were introduced for 2022.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss unless viewed up close. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were minor. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which enhanced its appearance. Mercedes offered a range of wheel designs and exterior colors, allowing for customization. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes provided numerous interior color choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled to provide sufficient power for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available only on higher trims with 4WD, delivered a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights and varying levels of comfort. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit different preferences and budgets. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with additional AMG-badged models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated electric-only driving range of 40 miles. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it easy to maneuver despite its size, and the cabin remained quiet even in hybrid mode.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. The system included physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions, which were easy to use. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, including the third row, which could accommodate average adults. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available as an option. The panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced the overall comfort. However, the air vents were small and struggled to direct sufficient airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for five. The light beige upholstery in the GLE 450e test vehicle contributed to a light and airy feel. Outward visibility was excellent, and the 40/20/40 split-folding second row provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space. While the GLE could be configured with an optional third row, it was only suitable for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, and a power liftgate. The GLE 450e test vehicle also included options from the Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels, such as a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, and a head-up display. Additional standalone options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced technology features, especially in the upper trims. These included multiple massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and new for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims added automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system.

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 provided clear and convenient directions. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, leading to accidental volume changes. Overall, the GLE's technology features were user-friendly and enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert for possible unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and various driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features. Standard features included 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 during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.