2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly striking. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to maintain a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the vehicle was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, offered a rugged and practical design. The High Tide model included LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Xtreme Recon package added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, making it stand out. The interior was basic but functional, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials dominating the cabin. The Wrangler's design emphasized its off-road capabilities and adventurous spirit.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, but our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced the vehicle's performance.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, but our test vehicle averaged 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe could technically seat up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making them comfortable for long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Comfort upgrades included heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. The rear seat provided agreeable accommodations for two adults, with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and large grab handles. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, a navigation system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also standard. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, providing a high level of driver support and collision avoidance. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's safety features were optional rather than standard, and its crash-test ratings were mediocre. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS rated it Marginal in several tests. The Wrangler's safety performance was not a strong point, and it required extra care when driving.