Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA had a modernized appearance, fitting neatly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were designed to reflect its entry-level status, positioned below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB. The GLA was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a taller stance and shorter overall length, giving it a beefier look with short overhangs and cladding. Despite its small windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. The interior, however, was a mix of less-than-premium surfaces, with the seats being the most well-appointed feature. While it looked appealing from a distance, the GLA's interior did not quite match up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a blend of heritage and modern design, featuring the iconic seven-slot grille with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup distinct from its gas-powered counterparts. The Overland trim, tested in silver with a black roof, offered a comfortable and upscale interior with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the Grand Cherokee 4xe felt luxurious, with gloss black materials adding a sharp look. The vehicle's design and features made it a comfortable and capable family vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants, with a fourth on the way. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLA 45 offered enhanced performance, with the latter achieving 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The GLA's AWD system could be adjusted through various drive modes, and the vehicle featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear axle. However, the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise, and its steering was numb, typical for its class.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 400-volt battery pack to deliver 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle offered a total driving range of 470 miles, with 25 miles of all-electric range. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included E Select powertrain modes and regenerative braking, enhancing its efficiency. It also featured two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, with the latter offering more aggressive capabilities. The Trailhawk trim provided maximum ground clearance and off-road prowess, although the 4xe's towing capacity was lower than its gas-powered counterparts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. The front seats offered excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats, with a 40/20/40 split-fold, provided more legroom than before. The GLA's cargo space was average for its class, with 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle's low load floor and available power liftgate made loading and unloading convenient.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not available as a three-row model, offered ample space for passengers. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. The vehicle's air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. The Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a comfortable ride for a family of four, with no issues in head or legroom.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. The system included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades were available, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, and a WiFi hotspot. The MBUX system was user-friendly, though it lacked quick scrolling through radio stations. The GLA also introduced a car-wash function, simplifying the process with a single command.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options like the My Pages feature. The vehicle included multiple screens, with a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a digital driver information display. Optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo were available. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's infotainment system was praised for its personalization and high-quality audio experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. However, the GLA's standard safety features were less comprehensive than those of some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a blend of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features like intersection-collision assist and night vision were available on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's safety features were comprehensive, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.