2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

In 2023, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class received an exterior makeover, which was so subtle that it might have gone unnoticed by many. Up close, the small Mercedes star logos filling the front grille were a clever detail, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when seen back-to-back with the outgoing version. The LED headlights were standard, with multi-beam LED headlights as an option.

The GLE 450e had a sophisticated appearance, especially in the Twilight Blue metallic finish and sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Although the wheels added $1,100 to the price, they aesthetically complemented the SUV’s design. Mercedes provided a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and 10 exterior colors in total.

Inside, the GLE 450e impressed with its combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim, costing $1,620 and $160 respectively. This variant stood out with ten interior color choices and five trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, known for its rugged design, had a brick-like aesthetic with minimal curves. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the doors could be removed, and the Dual-Door Group added half doors for improved visibility. The windshield folded down, enhancing the off-road experience, and various top options supported open-air exploring. The Wrangler bore wide fenders with the American flag and Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and hood latches.

Practical touches included a tailgate that swung out and rear glass that lifted for easy cargo access. Our test model sported the limited-edition Reign purple paint, adding a unique flair. The new Earl color was also introduced, featuring a gray shade with an aquamarine highlight. Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and straightforward design elements, lacking luxurious features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, but staying true to its rugged and utilitarian roots.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a range of powertrains to cater to various SUV shoppers. Starting at approximately $63,805, it included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580. The AMG-badged models, AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S, further expanded the lineup. Engine choices ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to the powerful twin-turbo V8 delivering 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S.

Our test vehicle, the GLE 450e, featured a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor. This power was delivered to all wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, achieving a swift 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Although EPA estimates weren’t available, a 40-mile electric-only range was a solid guess. The GLE 450e seamlessly transitioned between gas and electric modes, and the suspension adeptly handled road imperfections. Despite its substantial 196-inch length and 76-inch width, it proved maneuverable, with sophisticated steering enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, famous for off-road prowess, came with a variety of engine options, catering to different driving needs. Standard models housed a V6 engine (285 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 ponies, 295 lb-ft of torque), both available with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Torque enthusiasts favored the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft of torque), while power seekers opted for the Wrangler Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8 (470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque). The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid featured two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery, delivering 21 miles of electric range. Our 392 tester excelled in off-road settings, with its full-time 4WD, 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, and Off-Road Plus button for adjusting throttle, shift points, and traction control. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds but had drawbacks like vague steering and insufficient brakes.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provided ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin thanks to light beige upholstery. Outward visibility was impressive, surpassing many modern SUVs. Cargo space amounted to 33 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, comparable to a BMW X5 (33.7 cubic feet) but less than a Cadillac XT6 (43.1 cubic feet) or Volvo XC90 (41.8 cubic feet). Optional third-row seats were available for the GLE 350 and GLE 450, suitable mainly for children.

Comfort features in our GLE 450e included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive trim added a Burmester surround-sound system, ventilated front seats, and augmented reality navigation. The Pinnacle trim further enhanced luxury with massaging front seats, rapid heating front seats, a head-up display, and more.

The Wrangler’s front seats were comfortable but required the 392 model or a cold-weather package for heated seats. Ventilated seats were unavailable. Rear seating was tight, especially in four-door models, with small rear doors complicating entry and exit. Cargo space with the rear seats folded was 72.4 cubic feet, slightly less than the Bronco’s offering but still adequate for adventurers.

The Wrangler’s hard top could be removed in one piece or in two front panels, with a Sunrider option for partial exposure. The soft top was also removable but could be cumbersome with cold, stiff plastic rear windows. The Sky One-Touch power soft top provided convenience, retracting in 17 seconds at speeds up to 60 mph, though it didn’t offer a complete open-air feel due to its non-removable rear glass window.

For practicality, the Wrangler included multiple charging points, USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

The 2024 GLE-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. These could be controlled via touch commands, a center console control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. While feature-rich, the system required a learning curve, and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The head-up display and augmented reality navigation earned praise for their clarity and convenience. However, steering wheel touch-sensitive controls could inadvertently ramp up the music volume, necessitating careful handling.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system, with an 8.4-inch screen in our test model. Lacking hard buttons, Uconnect initially appeared complex but proved intuitive. Off-road pages provided valuable data like power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. Additional tech features were limited, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket modifications. Notably missing were advanced options like a digital key or performance-related over-the-air updates.

In 2024, the GLE-Class boasted a comprehensive array of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Our tester’s $1,950 Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot and lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. Importantly, the safety systems were non-intrusive and performed reliably.

Jeep’s safety offerings were less impressive, with standard features limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety components like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or optional elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist was not available.

The IIHS provided mixed ratings for the Wrangler, with Good and Marginal ratings in various categories, while some trims had Poor headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler four stars for frontal crash and three for rollover, but side-crash ratings were not yet available.