2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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 for the Sport and Latitude models and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in various trims, including the base Sport, mid-level Latitude, and upscale Limited, with special editions like the Altitude and High Altitude. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down 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 GLS exuded a soft sensuality in its design, with the GLS 450 test vehicle showcasing 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver grille, and Twilight Blue paint. The interior featured a Bahia Brown over Black color scheme with Grey Oak trim, polished aluminum accents, and massaging front seats. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The test vehicle included AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $97,730. The GLS offered a luxurious and comfortable driving experience, with a focus on high-quality materials and attention to detail.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its powertrain issues with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, transformed the Compass from gutless to gutsy. 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 improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. The Compass handled well on pavement and off-road, though it exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces and had slow AWD engagement.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, provided smooth and swift acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system added 148 lb-ft of torque for lively starts, while a nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic AWD system ensured seamless power delivery. The GLS offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined. The adaptive air suspension and massive Continental tires contributed to its athleticism, while the brakes performed admirably. The GLS also featured an Off-Road menu within MBUX for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, with a narrow design for maneuverability. It offered standard air filtration and optional dual-zone climate control, sunroof, and leather seats. The Limited trim provided a comfortable seating position, though the center console's hard plastic edge was uncomfortable. Rear seat space was adequate, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. Cargo space included 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded, with an adjustable load floor for flexibility.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling but posed challenges when entering or exiting. The front seats offered comfort with leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and four-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs provided excellent thigh support, while the third-row seat was snug for adults but suitable for children. Interior storage was decent, with practical cargo space of 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. It offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited trim included Alexa Built-in, which was responsive and accurate. The parking assist system and surround-view camera were useful, though the Compass's small size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics and themes, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console caused occasional frustration. The Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided impressive audio quality. MBUX's intuitive touchscreen operation, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation made it a standout technology, despite minor usability issues.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous system. The Compass's ADAS performance was generally satisfactory, though lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control had room for improvement. Crash-test ratings were incomplete, with the IIHS Top Safety Pick status pending further testing.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with adjustable ADAS settings through MBUX. The forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems were effective and unobtrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist handled various driving conditions smoothly. The GLS's ADAS provided a seamless and reliable driving experience, with only a minor issue on a two-lane road.