Jeep Wrangler vs Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted into the automaker's SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC. It came in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 featured front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 had a more powerful drivetrain, including a more sophisticated AWD system. This year, a handful of changes were in store, including satellite radio as part of the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and black badges. Prices kicked off at $38,600 for the GLB250 with FWD, not including the $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle arrived in AMG GLB35 spec, with a starting price of $51,000 (including destination). Options included metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and AMG Drive Unit controls on the steering wheel. Additionally, our test sample had both the Premium and Multimedia Packages, bringing the grand total to $57,250 (including destination). The GLB’s design was an acquired taste, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. However, the interior was beautifully rendered in the Mercedes-Benz tradition, featuring full-color high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, and artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting after dark.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, with its fourth-generation JL design, exuded a rugged, take-no-prisoners aesthetic. Available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for door removal and offered an optional Dual-Door Group for better visibility. The windshield folded down, and various top options were available for open-air exploring. All models featured wide fenders, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted up for easy cargo access. The new limited-edition purple paint color, Reign, added razzle-dazzle to the SUV, while the new Earl color offered a gray shade with a hint of aquamarine.

Inside, the Wrangler continued its practical design with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats. The interior featured straight lines and chunky HVAC controls, with a body-colored dash and a manual transfer case shifter. The Wrangler’s interior was simple and functional, with no extraneous doodads. For those seeking ambient lighting or massaging seats, the Wrangler was not the vehicle to choose.

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. These were gains of 81 hp and 37 lb-ft over the GLB250's turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. Dynamic Cornering Assist and AMG Dynamics mode settings allowed drivers to calibrate the SUV’s dynamic behavior.

According to Mercedes, the AMG GLB35 zoomed to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a full 1.8 seconds quicker than a GLB250. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, down from 25 mpg for the GLB 250 4Matic. We averaged 21.8 mpg on our testing loop. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension were standard, along with Direct Steer, a variable steering system. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with some lag in throttle response and a firm ride, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. However, driving enthusiasts would delight in the AMG GLB35’s demeanor on twisty roads, where it transformed into a feisty performer.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of engine options for off-road performance. The standard Wrangler came with a V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines could be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Torque lovers could opt for the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe was a plug-in hybrid with two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack, offering 21 miles of all-electric range.

Our tester was the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, a full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) monster with 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The Selec-Trac transfer case provided a 2.72 low range, while the Xtreme Recon package upped the crawl ratio to 58:1. However, the 392 had flaws in its brakes and steering, with no upgrades to account for the increased power of the V8. The steering was vague, making it difficult to gauge input for lane changes or hairpin corners. These issues were less pronounced in other Wrangler trims with less powerful powertrains.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Simulated leather upholstery called MB-Tex was standard, with optional real leather. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The GLB’s interior featured a 64-color ambient lighting system for customization.

Getting into and out of the GLB was easy, with comfortable seating for two adults in the rear. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space underneath the cargo floor. The power rear liftgate revealed a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s front seats were comfortable, but heated seats required the 392 model or a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were not available. The rear seat could fit three in the four-door models, but it was a tight fit, and the rear doors were small. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and center consoles. The Wrangler had a bin on top of the dash, but it risked overheating items placed there.

Larger cargo space was limited to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece or with two front panels quickly. The soft top was fairly easy to remove, but the plastic rear window could be a pain in cold weather. The Sky One-Touch power soft top was the easiest option, sliding back in 17 seconds at speeds up to 60 mph. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. In the AMG GLB 35, MBUX included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package equipped the GLB with a navigation system with augmented reality.

Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. Mercedes also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an integrated dashcam. The MBUX system could be controlled via natural voice recognition, the touchscreen display, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. The navigation system’s augmented reality technology was especially useful in densely populated areas after dark.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. Uconnect looked complicated at first, but it made sense once drivers became familiar with it. Jeep’s off-road pages provided information about power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates with altitude. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard.

Jeep didn’t include too much tech for tech’s sake. The Wrangler featured a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and four auxiliary switches for aftermarket lighting. There was no digital key, and over-the-air updates only applied to the Uconnect system, not the vehicle’s performance.

Despite a price tag closing in on $58,000, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not have the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. Missing features included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning systems, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The test vehicle included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard on the top 392 model and optional elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist was not offered. The IIHS showed an almost even split between Good and Marginal ratings for the Wrangler’s crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints categories. Headlights on some trims received a Poor ranking. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler four out of five stars for a frontal crash test rating and three out of five stars for rollover rating. The Wrangler had not yet been rated for a side crash.