2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class aimed for a more subtle elegance with its base GLS 450 model, favoring restraint over the lavishness seen in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Avoiding a gaudy grille, Mercedes created a refined aesthetic. For those desiring more flair, the AMG GLS 63 included flared wheel arches, a prominent grille, and 21-inch AMG-specific wheels. The Maybach version boasted abundant chrome accents and larger 23-inch wheels.

Inside, the GLS-Class offered a luxurious ambiance, even in its base configuration. It lacked the reclining seats of higher trims but showcased quality materials like non-Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. Unique touches included intricate speaker grilles and rugged rectangular air vents. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a modern look framed by an upright dashboard.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, no-frills design with the fourth-generation JL Wrangler. Available in two-door and four-door variants with removable doors, it embraced a classic jeep aesthetic. Its folding windshield and various top options, such as the half-door Dual-Door Group, allowed for diverse open-air experiences. The Wrangler's utilitarian design featured functional elements like wide fenders, Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlights, and iconic hood latches. The tailgate opened sideways while the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access.

Externally, the Wrangler offered unique colors like the limited-edition purple “Reign” and the gray “Earl,” bringing a touch of razzle-dazzle to its rugged exterior. Inside, the Wrangler kept things practical with easy-to-clean mats and seats. Its interior design maintained straight lines with a functional dash and chunky controls.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class provided multiple power options. The GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Adding to its power, Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system could deliver an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The V8 engine options in models like the GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63 offered up to 603 hp for a more spirited drive. Standard 4Matic all-wheel drive across all models ensured steady traction.

While the inline-six engine of the GLS 450 delivered ample power and smooth drive, the air suspension fell short, causing uncomfortable body motion over bumps. Nonetheless, the GLS 450 boasted a 7,700-pound towing capacity, though this lagged behind competitors such as the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

On the other side, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various powertrains. Standard models featured a V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Enthusiasts could opt for the Ecodiesel V6 or the Wrangler Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 hp. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe offered 21 miles of all-electric range, aiming for eco-conscious adventurers.

Our test focused on the Rubicon 392, a powerhouse delivering burnouts and robust off-road capabilities with a crawl ratio of 48:1 or 58:1 with the Xtreme Recon package. However, on-road performance suffered due to inadequate brakes and vague steering, though less powerful models handled these aspects better.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class featured a flexible seven-seat configuration with options for captain's chairs in the second row. This setup allowed for easy access to the third row and adjustable second-row seats for enhanced legroom. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. While this was competitive, it fell slightly short of bigger rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes included user-friendly features like power-folding seats and a lowering air suspension for effortless cargo handling.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler prioritized utility with its straightforward design. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats, especially in four-door models, were cramped. Storage for small items was limited, and larger cargo space was somewhat restricted at 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Cargo access was versatile with removable tops and windows, but the process could be cumbersome, especially in cold weather.

Different top options, such as the Sky One-Touch power soft top, provided varying degrees of open-air experiences, while charging points and USB-A and USB-C ports throughout the cabin ensured connectivity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came standard with the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and voice recognition. This system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio alongside a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. Users could interact with the system via various methods, including voice commands, though the touchpad controller proved cumbersome. Despite high-quality graphics, the navigation system's occasional inaccuracy and the absence of augmented-reality features detracted from the overall experience.

In comparison, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler equipped its models with a straightforward Uconnect infotainment system. Standard was a 7-inch touchscreen, but our tester had an 8.4-inch screen. While the absence of hard buttons made the interface initially overwhelming, users quickly adapted. The system included off-road pages offering detailed vehicle data, alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Jeep kept tech features practical, with essential aids like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches without overcomplicating the system.

Safety in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was robust, including standard features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems like Active Steering Assist. However, these came at an extra cost. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler lagged in standard safety features, offering only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Higher trims and option packages included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, but lane-keeping assist was notably absent. The IIHS gave mixed ratings for crashworthiness, while NHTSA offered a four-star frontal crash rating and a three-star rollover rating.