2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a distinct design that, while potentially polarizing, was not excessively polarizing or unattractive. Our test model's Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork molded a visual presence that resonated more with the look of an athletic sneaker, particularly when viewed from a front three-quarter angle. For 2022, Mercedes sidelined many of its V8 models, including the 603-horsepower AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, leaving the GLE 53 to rule the roost with a base price starting at $77,800.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 exuded luxury, as expected, with premium materials like Nappa leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim enhancing the cabin’s high-tech ambiance. Nighttime driving was particularly enjoyable due to the ambient lighting that adorned the interior. From an operational viewpoint, the facade of simplicity masked a complex array of controls and technology, which might have been overwhelming for newcomers.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, carried a starkly rugged and utilitarian design. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler offered both two-door and four-door versions, with removable doors adding to its versatility. For those seeking visibility without fully removing doors, the Dual-Door Group provided half doors. The Wrangler's foldable windshield and variety of top options highlighted its tradition of open-air exploration. Around the rear, the tailgate swung out and the rear glass lifted up, making it easy to access the cargo area. Notably, the limited-edition purple paint color, Reign, brought a bold flair to our tester.

Inside, the Wrangler embraced practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats. It didn’t delve into luxury, but rather maintained a straightforward, rugged charm. Controls were chunky yet straightforward, emphasizing the Jeep’s focus on functionality over frills.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine also featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system designed to add extra power and help conserve fuel. Our test vehicle managed 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimated 19 mpg in combined driving.

The AMG GLE 53 was also equipped with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, which allowed for up to half the power to be funneled to the front wheels. Various driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road, added to the vehicle's versatility. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension proved effective over speed humps and provided a comfortable ride on highways.

In Sport+ mode, the GLE 53’s performance was impressive, though its size and weight were drawbacks on tighter roads. The performance exhaust system's sound in this mode was loud but could fortunately be toned down. On less demanding roads in Sport mode, the Mercedes was a true pleasure to drive.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple engine options. Standard was a V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Diesel aficionados could choose a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and a hefty 442 pound-feet of torque. Performance seekers had the Wrangler Rubicon 392, boasting a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and equal torque. There was also a plug-in hybrid variant, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, with a 17.3 kWh battery pack offering 21 miles of all-electric range.

Our test vehicle, the Rubicon 392, could perform impressive burnouts, climb dunes, and tackle rocks with ease. Although, its brakes and steering proved to be less adept for on-road performance due to Jeep not upgrading the brakes for the V8, leading to a scary slowing experience. The steering was also rather vague.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe could technically accommodate up to five passengers, but four would be more comfortable unless the back seat was occupied by younger children. The multicontour, sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous adjustments and incorporated heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making long drives comfortable. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was limited, necessitating extensive use of the available cameras. The cargo space, too, was generous—27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s front seats were comfortable, although options for heated and ventilated seats were limited. The Wrangler's rear seat was a tight fit for three passengers, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was notably limited, with small glove boxes and center consoles and a dashboard bin that wasn't practical for longer use.

Cargo capacity in the Wrangler reached 72.4 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded, slightly besting the GLE 53’s cargo space. The Jeep’s myriad top options, including the hard and soft tops, added to its utility, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top offering the most convenience for open-air driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, a navigation system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. It also included wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. Despite its numerous features, MBUX was user-friendly, complemented by natural voice recognition and beautifully rendered graphics.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a simpler Uconnect infotainment system. Although our tester had an upgraded 8.4-inch screen, it lacked physical buttons, which made the system initially seem complicated. Once acclimated, however, users found the interface intuitive and comprehensive, particularly the off-road pages. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the forward-facing camera proved useful off-road. However, Jeep’s tech suite didn’t include as many advanced features as found in the Mercedes.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 more safety systems, like Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist, which functioned with remarkable refinement in our tests. The GLE Coupe's safety ratings were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top marks from both the IIHS and the NHTSA.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s safety features were relatively sparse. Standard gear included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were only standard on the top 392 model, otherwise available via option packages. The Wrangler's IIHS safety ratings were mixed, and its NHTSA frontal crash and rollover ratings were 4 and 3 out of 5 stars, respectively.