2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class captured attention with its modern, somewhat understated elegance. The GLS 450 model we evaluated featured dazzling 22-inch AMG wheels, polished metal accents, and a new silver four-louver grille, all garnished with a luxurious Twilight Blue paint job. This combination bestowed the SUV with a reserved, yet sophisticated appearance that turned heads. Inside, the cabin boasted a new Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak accents, complemented by polished aluminum and contrast stitching. The result was an ambiance of rich luxury, offering passengers a perfectly inviting and comfortable experience.

Contrastingly, every 2024 Jeep Wrangler adhered to its iconic, rugged design signature. Though newer models like the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 had larger tires, the familiar burly look remained regardless of the engine or transfer case. The redesigned grille, shorter and wider, first featured on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition, enhanced engine airflow. Meanwhile, integrating the antenna into the windshield prevented tangling with off-road foliage. The Wrangler offered various roof options, such as traditional soft-top, full hard tops, retractable sunroof hard tops, and power-retractable sunroofs, ensuring it could suit diverse needs for adventure and exposure to elements. Additionally, its doors could be removed or replaced with tube or half doors, making it extremely flexible for different terrains and conditions.

For the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the GLS 450 model showed that you didn't need the powerful twin-turbo V8 to enjoy a thrilling drive. The inline six-cylinder engine, turbocharged, produced 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing ample and smooth acceleration. The straight-six engine allowed the car to accelerate to 60 mph within 5.8 seconds, supported by a mild-hybrid system delivering an immediate 148 lb-ft boost upon acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission efficiently processed power to all four wheels, and the variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system offered tailored driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. Towing capacity peaked at 7,700 pounds, and fuel economy stood at a commendable 21 mpg, with real-world tests yielding 19.9 mpg. Equipped with adaptive air suspension and massive tires, the GLS 450 managed twisty road conditions exemplary, though a few road surface imperfections revealed quirks in the suspension setup. Braking prowess was consistent, delivering dependable stops and enhanced off-road visualization through the MBUX off-road menu.

Oppositely, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler showcased several powertrain options. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the Wrangler also came in a plug-in hybrid variant boasting 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the robust 6.4-liter V8 cranked out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Different 4WD transfer cases tailored the Wrangler’s off-road prowess—Command-Trac for basic 4WD needs, and Rock-Trac for serious off-road enthusiasts. The manual transmission option for the V6 and diverse 8-speed automatics provided flexibility across models. The PHEV 4xe version stood out with 21 miles of electric-only range and muscular performance rivaling the V8 model. Off-road, the Wrangler flaunted articulation, locking differentials, and BF Goodrich KO2 tires that handled rough terrain adeptly. However, the ride on paved roads suffered from solid axle bumpiness, redeemed slightly by improved sound-dampening integrating into the latest model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, especially with the AMG Line package, introduced side sill trims creating entry and exit challenges. However, its interior made up for this with superb leather surfaces, heated and ventilated seats, and massage functionalities. The front seats provided a commanding view with multiple adjustments, although touch controls on the new steering wheel could be annoying. Heated rear seats and four-zone climate control added creature comforts. Despite spacious second-row captain’s chairs available at no extra cost, accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome, and adult passengers found it cramped. Nonetheless, interior storage was efficient, and cargo space was generous, offering 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet.

For the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, the significant update was its improved towing capacity, with the four-door Rubicon trims now capable of towing 5,000 pounds due to the new solid rear axle. The interior offered modern conveniences such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable seats that functioned even underwater. The 30-amp Power Box leveraging the 4xe's battery to power accessories on adventures was another impressive addition. However, it lacked ventilated seats, a notable downside for comfort-seeking buyers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class highlighted the MBUX infotainment system, featuring twin 12.3-inch screens integrating seamlessly atop the dashboard. Enhanced graphics with various thematic choices improved navigation and aesthetics. However, touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and touchpad proved bothersome, often inadvertently changing displays. Still, MBUX's intuitive touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality were exceptional, underlined by a stellar Burmester surround-sound system.

For the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, every model was equipped with a new 12.3-inch Uconnect5 infotainment screen. The system excelled with clean graphics, swift processing, and ease of use. Enhanced Off-Road Pages provided immediate detailed performance data, and the addition of the Trails Offroad feature, offering access to extensive trail information, was an enthusiast's dream. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and included a wireless hotspot and dual Bluetooth phone pairing capabilities.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came packed with a plethora of safety features. CarGurus experts noted that the ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance Systems) in the GLS were refined and customizable through the MBUX system. These features included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning with haptic feedback, and lane-keeping assist, praised for its smooth and non-intrusive operation. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist handled various road scenarios with ease, making the technology blend seamlessly into the driving experience. The GLS’s comprehensive suite of safety features ensured peace of mind on every journey.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler received side-curtain airbags for the first and second rows—a significant safety update. Forward collision warning became standard on all but the base trim, but higher trims required additional packages for features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist. However, the Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist and other advanced highway assist features. Although not yet rated for 2024, the Wrangler’s previous model year earned mixed results from the NHTSA and IIHS, with certain models achieving commendable scores in roof strength and head restraint evaluations but moderate ratings in frontal and side crashes.