2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights received minor updates. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior design. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices, including ten interior color options and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. The Compass Sport and Latitude models received new 17-inch wheel designs, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the upscale Limited, with special editions like the Altitude and Red. The Limited test vehicle, wrapped in Granite Crystal paint with 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents featured sophisticated digital displays and metallic trim. However, the as-tested price of $45,800 raised concerns about its value compared to larger compact crossovers or small luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various SUV shoppers. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower, delivering sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, generated a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, offering a smooth and swift driving experience. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections effortlessly.

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. The engine's peak torque was available across a broad rev range, and it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Compass transformed from gutless to gutsy, though the engine wasn't as powerful as it could be. The EPA fuel economy rating was 27 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing averaged 23.8 mpg. The Compass offered improved driving dynamics, with the Limited test vehicle providing ample grip and a quieter, more refined engine.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE had an optional third-row seat, it was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather seats available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat offered enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Interior storage was acceptable, though the center armrest bin was small. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system was user-friendly but required a learning curve due to its feature-rich nature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system received over-the-air updates and offered an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited test vehicle had all these features, with Alexa proving fast and accurate. The Alpine audio system was bass-heavy with default settings. The Compass also had a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, though its small size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a standard drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder system. Standard advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and a traffic sign recognition system. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the system occasionally struggled with certain road conditions. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter's Top Safety Pick rating pending further testing.