Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar appearance to the lower-level model and the smaller 2021 Grand Cherokee L. It featured traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel center caps had an acrylic glass covering to protect the "Wagoneer" logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent front and rear suspension, while aluminum and composite materials helped save weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered high-end features like 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, lumbar support, and four-way power headrests, along with Nappa leather upholstery and optional higher-grade Palermo leather.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a blend of new and old, with the GLC 300 redesigned while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The GLC 300's most noticeable change was its narrower taillights, but it retained the classy and substantive styling of its predecessor. The interior received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The design was modern and high-tech, with excellent materials quality and solid construction. The GLC Coupe models maintained their coupe-like roofline, setting them apart from the traditional GLC 300. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, with the new model evolving the theme established by its predecessor.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, impressive for its roughly 6,400-pound weight. It came standard with four-wheel drive, including the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was also standard, offering height adjustability for various driving conditions. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 10 inches of ground clearance and could ford up to 24 inches of water. Despite its power, the vehicle was best driven at a stately pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, while 4Matic all-wheel drive was available. The GLC 300 could reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, offering smooth acceleration. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but the brakes were effective and easy to modulate. The suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, yet the GLC cornered with confidence. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older four-cylinder turbo engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing a sportier option with a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, front-row space was more limited compared to the Escalade and Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, it offered 94.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The vehicle had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior featured a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC provided sufficient space for taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults with ample legroom. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and offered a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch center console touchscreen, and an optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer had a larger touchscreen than the standard Wagoneer and a second screen for functions like seat massagers. It also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Fire TV for Auto. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior layout featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted music or podcasts. The system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making it more distracting. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. The older layout and system were available with the less practical Coupe body style.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection collision assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and two levels of driver-assistance systems. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with a hands-free version planned for certain highways.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous GLC received high scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation.