2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had a rugged, no-nonsense design that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Its boxy shape and straight lines gave it a distinctive, utilitarian look. Available in both two-door and four-door versions, the Wrangler allowed for customization with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The wide fenders, iconic seven-slot grille, and round headlights added to its classic Jeep aesthetic. The rear tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted up for easy cargo access. Inside, the Wrangler featured easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, with a straightforward, functional design.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE had subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares over the wheel arches added a touch of sportiness. The grille featured chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package enhanced its sporty look. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch options. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The available open-pore walnut trim, though paired with Bahia Brown seating in our tester, could be customized for a more modern look. The cabin was less futuristic than Mercedes' all-electric EQ cars but still offered a premium feel.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit different off-road needs. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range. However, the 392 model had issues with brakes and steering, which were not upgraded to handle the increased power.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered several engine choices, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e plug-in hybrid, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on all-electric power and featured a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. While the GLE 450e lacked sporty driving dynamics, it excelled in comfort and efficiency. The 11-kW onboard charger allowed for a full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and it could also accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but heated seats were only available in the 392 model or with a cold-weather package. The rear seats were tight, especially in the four-door models, and the small rear doors made entry and exit challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and center console. The cargo space was 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a hard top, soft top, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top. Charging points were plentiful, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded to include ventilation and a massage function. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The cabin remained quiet even on noisy highways, and the Burmester stereo system provided excellent sound quality. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complicated but was intuitive once drivers got used to it. Off-road pages provided valuable information, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The Wrangler had a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories but lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While it didn't have the giant touchscreen of other Mercedes models, the 12.3-inch screen was sufficient. The menu structure was easy to learn, and a touchpad on the center console offered an alternative to touching the screen. The augmented reality navigation system was particularly useful, and the off-road page provided detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but our tester experienced frequent disconnections. USB-C ports were plentiful, delivering up to 100W of power.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the 392 model or available as part of an option package. Lane-keeping assist was not offered. The IIHS gave the Wrangler mixed ratings, with some trims receiving a Poor headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover, with no side crash rating.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints. The Digital Light package-equipped models received an "Acceptable" headlight rating.