2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance compared to its rugged predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated look with new wheel designs and color options. The Compass was available in various trims, including the Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, and Trailhawk, with special editions like the Altitude, Red, and High Altitude. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee, offering a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, and metallic trim. However, the high price point of $45,800 made it a costly choice in the small SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The AMG Line package added sportiness to the exterior, and the GLE coupe offered a sleek design with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE maintained a luxurious feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic design of newer electric models. The open-pore walnut trim paired with Bahia Brown seating gave the cabin a retro look, but lighter leather options could improve the design. Overall, the GLE's interior was luxurious, though the sun visors' lack of extension was a notable omission.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its powertrain issues with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and off-road enhancements. Despite the improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. The Compass handled well on pavement, with the Limited trim providing good grip, but it remained tall and narrow, affecting stability on uneven surfaces. Off-road, the Trailhawk excelled with its Selec-Terrain system, though it struggled in some conditions due to tire limitations.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered various powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580, all with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new 450e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on electric power and featured a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. While the GLE's Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, it provided a comfortable commute. The 450e's 11-kW onboard charger allowed for quick charging, and it could also accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for road trips.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims provided leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The Limited trim featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ample rear seat space, though interior storage was limited. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced comfort. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and parking assist, though the surround-view camera was more useful.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad and voice control. The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, and the off-road page offered detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. Advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, though it had limitations in certain conditions. The Compass had not received complete crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with optional features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.