Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe expanded its lineup with the introduction of the 30th Anniversary edition, bringing the total to six trim levels. These included the base trim, 30th Anniversary, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $61,660, with the Summit Reserve reaching $80,320 before any additional options. The Trailhawk trim, which was tested, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group II, and Advanced ProTech Group II, raising the MSRP to $72,630, including destination charges. A federal income tax credit of $3,750 was available for those who qualified, reducing the cost to $68,880. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were appreciated, but the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact crossover, underwent a generational redesign, maintaining a familiar look to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The new design featured updated taillights, repositioned door handles, and a more menacing headlight design. The rear end saw a trim piece connecting the taillights and a revised layout with less chrome. The Coupe version retained its steeply sloping profile, while the grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300 counterparts. The interior was luxurious, with a two-tone Sienna Brown and Black leather upholstery option and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was equipped with numerous screens, buttons, ambient lighting, and vents, making it gadget-heavy even at the lower end of the brand's pricing spectrum. The interior was class-leading for those who appreciated a tech-forward environment.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The Trailhawk came with a standard four-wheel-drive system, Selec-Terrain technology, and a height-adjustable air suspension, providing 10.9 inches of maximum ground clearance. The vehicle offered an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode. However, during testing, it only achieved 21.2 miles of electric range and averaged 19.3 mpg in Auto mode. The Trailhawk excelled off-road but faced challenges in daily driving, with an unrefined gas engine, uneven power delivery, and noticeable body lean in curves.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower. This exceeded the previous generation's 385 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V6. The GLC 43 featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system for faster shifts. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. The GLC 43's performance suspension provided improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride. The vehicle's sporty nature was enhanced by standard four-wheel steering, making it appealing to enthusiasts.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space, offering 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded down. The interior featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, but comfort was lacking due to firm and flat seats. Rear legroom was tight, and the rear seat cushion was low and unsupportive. The power liftgate provided access to the cargo area, but the overall space was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Coupe version offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet. The power-folding rear seats and flat load floor added convenience, despite the limited space.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a head-up display and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The Trailhawk featured a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, the graphics and low-contrast display made it difficult to read. The voice recognition system was average, and the wireless smartphone charger was optional.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice command functionality. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim featured a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Standalone tech options included an Advanced USB package.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Trailhawk added active blind-spot monitoring and an intersection assist system. The vehicle received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe version.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.