2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class embodied a blend of the new and the familiar. While the GLC 300 was completely redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. However, new Coupe designs were anticipated for the 2024 model year. Recognizing the new GLC 300 at a glance required a discerning eye, with the most noticeable update being its narrower taillights. Other than that, it easily could have been mistaken for the first-generation GLC from 2016—a design that had dominated the small luxury SUV class for years with its timeless elegance.

The familiarity of the design wasn’t entirely a drawback. The first-generation GLC’s styling remained classy and substantial, opting for an enduring design rather than fleeting novelty. While the new GLC remained attractive, a bit of added personality to distinguish it from its predecessor could have been welcomed. The interior, however, saw significant updates. Echoing the latest Mercedes models, the GLC featured a large vertical infotainment touchscreen at the center of the dashboard, paired with a tablet-like instrument panel in front of the driver. This modern approach, coupled with excellent materials and solid construction, highlighted the vehicle's high-tech orientation compared to its competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

The GLC Coupe’s exterior differed slightly, mainly with its coupe-like roofline which tapered towards the tail. Inside, it maintained a first-generation interior that surprisingly aged well, occasionally offering more user-friendly features compared to the newer variant. Overall, the GLC-Class had hit the mark seven years prior, and the 2023 model felt like a refined evolution, retaining its traditional luxury touch while competitors leaned more towards sporty and tech-centric designs.

In contrast, those eyeing the 2023 Jeep Wrangler appreciated its unmistakable rugged appearance. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler looked like it was carved from a block, emphasizing its tough, no-compromise aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited models, it offered the unique ability to remove the doors for an immersive outdoor experience, with optional half-doors for added visibility.

The Wrangler’s windshield could fold down, catering to those wanting the wind in their face. Various top options allowed for open-air exploration; among them were the iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and the retro exterior hood latches. Around the back, the tailgate swung outwards and the rear glass lifted up, simplifying access to the cargo area. The design remained functional and straightforward—well, apart from the vibrant purple paint called Reign featured on the tester model, adding an unusual dash of flair.

The Wrangler also introduced a new Earl color in 2023, a gray shade with a hint of aquamarine. Inside, the seats and floor mats were practical and easy to clean, embodying the brand’s no-frills approach. The utilitarian design continued with body-colored dashboards, tactile HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter. Jeep's interior screamed straightforward functionality over high-tech luxury, appealing to those who valued substance over style.

The performance spectrum between the two models was wide. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, initially offered only in the GLC 300 trim, came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Their combined output was 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive was the standard setup, with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive as an option.

Driving the GLC 300 delivered a smooth experience, akin to the linear acceleration of electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. Merging onto highways and overtaking slower traffic posed no issues, though it lacked the liveliness found in the BMW X3’s four-cylinder engine, even with similar acceleration times. The brake pedal felt a bit soft, although braking performance was strong, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling, offering a silky ride in a nearly silent cabin.

Meanwhile, the returning GLC 4Matic Coupe clung to its previous generation's 2.0-liter turbo engine, producing the same 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 mph in identical 6.2 seconds. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe took it a notch higher with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, boosting power to 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in an impressive 4.7 seconds. This model prioritized sporty dynamics, complete with a firmer suspension and louder exhaust, pleasantly surprising sports car enthusiasts without severely compromising comfort.

Jeep Wrangler buyers in 2023 had diverse powertrain choices, ideal for off-road performance. The standard Wrangler offered a V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, along with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, both available with eight-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.

Torque enthusiasts had the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 hp and an immense 442 lb-ft of torque. Speed lovers opted for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, a beast with a 6.4-liter V8 churning out 470 hp and an equal amount of torque, capable of burnouts and off-road dominance. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered an eco-friendly alternative, with electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack providing 21 miles of all-electric range. However, these unique engines were available only with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

In a standout test, the Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, principal highlights were its dune tackling and 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds. The Off-Road Plus mode tinkered with the throttle, shift points, and traction control for ultimate performance. Jeep's transfer cases varied by model, with the Selec-Trac’s 2.72 low range and the Rubicon’s Rock-Trac offering a 4:1 low range, translating to a 48:1 crawl ratio. The Xtreme Recon package, however, boosted this to a dizzying 58:1 ratio.

However, the Wrangler’s on-road performance, particularly in the 392, had its downsides. Jeep didn’t upgrade the brakes, creating terrifying moments when slowing down quickly. The steering, too, felt vague, making it unclear just how much input was needed for different maneuvers. These issues were less pronounced in lower power models, where the brakes and steering were better matched to their performance capabilities.

Comparisons to the Ford Bronco were inevitable, with its independent front suspension offering more comfort on pavement. While most drivers might not notice a difference, the Bronco Raptor competes strongly with the Wrangler 392, boasting competent steering and brakes.

Inside the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, front seats were excellently adjustable, offering firm yet comfortable cushioning for long journeys. The synthetic leather upholstery convincingly mimicked real leather, while the real leather option provided smoother, equally comfy surfaces. Personal item storage was ample, with a large center console bin housing a wireless charging pad and cupholders. However, the piano black trim quickly collected dust and fingerprints, making other trim choices more appealing.

The GLC's spacious front seating accommodated taller passengers comfortably. In the back, average adults fit easily, though taller individuals might find the headroom limited despite the generous legroom. The optional panoramic sunroof added to the airy feel. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats was 21.9 cubic feet, smaller by 35% compared to some rivals but still sufficient for most needs. The rear seats folded flat, facilitating larger loads.

The GLC Coupe, with its sloping roofline, had reduced cargo space at 17.6 cubic feet and slightly less rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The Wrangler’s 2023 front seats were comfortable, though heated seats required the 392 version or a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were not available. The rear seat, theoretically fitting three in four-door models, felt cramped, and the small doors made entry and exit difficult.

Storage for small items was limited with a flat dash offering no place to rest a phone, and both glove box and center console being tiny. While the Wrangler had a dash-top bin, it wasn’t ideal for phones due to overheating risks.

Larger cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—just about 5 cubes less than the Bronco, where every bit counted for adventurers. The hard top could be removed in one piece with the option for a half soft top for quick exposure to the elements.

The soft top was relatively easy to remove, though the rear windows could be more challenging in cold weather. The priciest and most convenient option was the Sky One-Touch power soft top, retracting in 17 seconds while driving at up to 60 mph and featuring a glass rear window that was easier to manage in the cold. However, this didn’t provide a complete open-air experience.

The Wrangler excelled in providing charging points, with two USB-A and USB-C ports in both front and rear, several 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

Technology in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class centered around its new interior layout with a striking 11.9-inch touchscreen. Despite its sharp graphics and responsive nature, its lower dash placement meant drivers had to take their eyes off the road more. The previous compact screen atop the dash had been more visible and easier to use with a center console trackpad.

The current system included a small, sensitive capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel which was somewhat frustrating. However, the MBUX infotainment system offered top-tier voice recognition, though it paused music or podcasts during use.

The overall system improved in functionality but was more distracting due to its layout and lack of physical buttons for no-look adjustments for audio and climate. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, satisfied most connectivity and audio enthusiasts.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s standard 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect was sufficient, doubling to an 8.4-inch screen in the test model. Despite lacking hard buttons and appearing complex with numerous icons initially, its functionality became intuitive. The off-road pages provided valuable information on power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates with altitude. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly.

The Wrangler refrained from indulging in excessive tech, adding only useful features like a forward-facing camera for trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket mods. There was no digital key, and over-the-air updates applied only to Uconnect rather than vehicle performance.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, crash-test results were not yet available but were anticipated to be strong, given Mercedes’ historical performance. The prior GLC earned five stars from the NHTSA in overall, frontal, and side crash protection and top scores from the IIHS, securing a Top Safety Pick designation.

Standard safety features in the new GLC 300 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. An optional Driver Assistance package offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist, with a surround-view camera system and upgraded headlights as other options. The Coupe shared a similar setup but standardly included cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera.

Driver assistance systems worked smoothly, with rare false alarms and impressive adaptive cruise control functionality, ensuring trustworthy operation.

Jeep’s approach to safety in the 2023 Wrangler was more minimalistic. Standard safety features included a mandatory rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Enhanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or part of an option package elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist was not available.

The IIHS provided mixed crashworthiness ratings, with an even split between Good and Marginal scores and Poor headlight ratings on certain trims. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crashes and three stars for rollovers but had not rated side impacts.

However, the optional safety features could be customized extensively, offering variable visual or audible warnings for blind-spot monitoring, adjustable forward collision warnings, and multiple adaptive cruise control distance settings.