2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minor, with the most noticeable being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e model, in particular, stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e was equally impressive, featuring a luxurious combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim, offering a high-quality and robust cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary exterior styling without the need for frequent redesigns. Its smooth design and modest grille provided a refreshing alternative to the flashier looks of its competitors. The Pacifica's hidden sliding-door tracks contributed to its clean appearance. Available in various trims, the Pacifica offered standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options. The interior was distinctive, with a minimalist dashboard design and a focus on comfort. The Pinnacle trim featured luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery, although some interior elements felt less premium. Overall, the Pacifica's design was both practical and stylish.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different SUV preferences. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with additional AMG models for those seeking high performance. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, providing a smooth and swift driving experience. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension was supple, and the steering was sophisticated, making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, provided peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, although some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration. The Pacifica offered a quiet and comfortable ride, living up to Chrysler's reputation for refinement.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating for five and a light, 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 optional third-row seat was limited to certain models, it was best suited for young children. The GLE 450e came with a range of comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior versatility with its Stow 'n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor. The Pacifica offered seating for seven, with an eight-seat configuration available on certain trims. Passenger space was generous, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows. The Pacifica provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner was a convenient feature, although the center console storage was less accessible.

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, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues with volume control.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system was intuitive and easy to use, although a shortcut for the 360-degree camera view would have been appreciated. The Pacifica offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity and a FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and hands-free park assist. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, enhancing safety without being intrusive.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica also introduced an Emergency Vehicle Alert System for 2024, providing warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.