2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class slotted into Mercedes-Benz's SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC models. It came in two main specifications: the GLB250, which offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or the 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and the more performance-focused AMG GLB35. The GLB250 started at $38,600, while our test vehicle, an AMG GLB35, carried a starting price of $51,000, reaching $57,250 with added options.

In terms of design, the GLB's boxy structure, steep windshield angle, and nearly vertical rear window were practical but unconventional. Despite this, features like the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels on the AMG GLB35 added some style and presence. The GLB250 could be dressed up to resemble the AMG version, although only the AMG GLB35 had exclusive vertical grille bars signaling the performance pedigree.

Inside, the GLB was traditionally luxurious with high-definition instrumentation, infotainment displays, and ambient lighting. However, the controls required some acclimation, with unconventional features such as a steering wheel stalk serving as the gear selector. Despite these quirks, the overall quality of the interior was evident, although the road noise was pronounced, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe strikingly blended Jeep's heritage and modern design. Jeep kept its iconic seven-slot grille, now with active shutters for enhanced aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was a two-row, five-passenger plug-in hybrid, differing slightly from its gas-powered siblings in its trim offerings.

Our test vehicle, in the Overland trim level priced just below the top-tier, showcased exclusive features such as leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching across the steel gray upholstery. Despite an overall upscale feel, there was still an abundance of hard plastics inside, especially below the hip point, which raised concerns about longevity and noise on colder days.

The interior also included gloss black materials that, while looking sharp when clean, were prone to fingerprints and glare. All in all, the Grand Cherokee 4xe maintained an appealing mix of rugged heritage and contemporary luxury, marking an evolution from Jeep's historical designs.

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 delivered a robust 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. This was a significant boost compared to the GLB250's engine. The AMG SpeedShift dual-clutch automatic transmission and the AMG Performance AWD system further enhanced the AMG GLB35's performance. Dynamic Cornering Assist and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension added to the sporty driving experience, with the GLB35 reaching 60 mph in a swift 5.1 seconds.

However, the performance came at a cost—the EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg combined, and the ride quality was firm, especially with the 21-inch wheels. The GLB250, with better fuel economy at 25 mpg combined, might be a more comfortable daily driver for most people.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out for its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 17-kWh battery pack. This setup produced an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, outperforming even Jeep's 5.7-liter V8 engine. The 4xe's power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system, achieving an overall driving range of 470 miles and an impressive 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).

While the efficiency dropped to 23 mpg once the battery was depleted, the Grand Cherokee 4xe still offered an all-electric driving range of 25 miles. Additionally, its off-road prowess was supported by the Quadra-Drive II system with an electronic limited-slip differential and a two-speed transfer case. The Grand Cherokee 4xe performed admirably off-road, with an instant torque response from the electric motors and various traction settings for different terrains. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its V6- and V8-powered counterparts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offered a truly compact SUV experience catered for urban dwellers looking for space without the bulk. Its optional third-row seat was suitable chiefly for children, and while it presented an attractive option in European markets, it compromised storage space in American contexts. Inside, the GLB had standard dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, simulated MB-Tex upholstery, and optional real leather. Features like a panoramic glass sunroof and 64-color ambient lighting system added more interior flair.

Getting in and out of the GLB was easy, and the rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults. The third-row seats, while an option, did reduce potential storage underneath the cargo floor. With the rear liftgate raised, the GLB offered a cube-shaped cargo area of 22 cubic feet, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, not available as a three-row Grand Cherokee L, nonetheless provided ample space for passengers. Folding the second row increased cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to a spacious 70.8 cubic feet, making it a versatile option for families. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also featured a quick-down function in its air suspension, aiding in easy loading and unloading.

Despite being tested in hot weather, the vehicle's interior assured comfort, with features like a heated steering wheel ready for cooler climates. Overall, the Grand Cherokee 4xe excelled in passenger and cargo space without cramming in unnecessary extra seats, unlike the GLB.

In the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, technology was a prominent feature. The MBUX infotainment system included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Options like the Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package introduced a navigation system with augmented reality.

While the high-resolution displays and robust voice recognition commands impressed, some features were only accessible through packages. Additional upgrades like wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester sound system, and a head-up display were optional. The intuitive digital assistant waking with a "Hey Mercedes" prompt enhanced user experience, although it sometimes lacked specific contextual responses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with the intuitive Uconnect 5 system, an Android-powered interface offering extensive customization. The My Pages feature allowed users to personalize the display with various widgets and screens, making the driving experience unique to each user.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an optional front-passenger display. Features like optional rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV for Auto provided further technological advancements, although some features like the McIntosh stereo and wireless charging pad were only available on higher trims. This stereo system stood out as one of the best in the industry, though not available on lower trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's safety features left much to be desired in the AMG GLB35 test vehicle. Key driver assistance and collision-avoidance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance were part of the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package, not included in the test vehicle. Some essential features such as evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning systems were also absent.

Standard safety features in the GLB included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist, and Exit Warning Assist. Unfortunately, crash-test ratings for the GLB were not available.

Jeep offered a robust suite of safety features for the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included intersection-collision assist, a Night Vision system, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. However, the announced hands-off driver assistance feature suite required additional hardware and wasn't available for early buyers via an OTA update.

Similarly to the GLB, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe at the time of the review.