2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights had slight modifications. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of 10 for its exterior, though the wheels added $1,100 to the price. Mercedes offered a variety of wheel designs and exterior colors, providing ample customization options.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. These interior options added $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price. Mercedes offered 10 interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum and various wood options. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment, making it a strong competitor in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending the length by over a foot. The Hydro Blue example with the High Altitude package featured a blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, along with dark gray 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut trim. The U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse were quintessential Jeep, while modern elements like slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers added a contemporary touch.

Upper trims of the Grand Cherokee L impressed with their interiors, though not every piece matched Mercedes-grade quality. The polished black dash hid an optional touchscreen, and the gear selector and driving mode toggles felt appropriately damped. Diamond-patterned stitching on the seats and aluminum speaker grilles added to the classy feel. Lower trims lacked some of these details but still offered a significantly better look and feel compared to lower-priced competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models: the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with the ability to operate as an EV at highway speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly. The suspension absorbed bumps effortlessly, and the vehicle remained quiet even in hybrid mode. Despite its size, the GLE felt maneuverable and easy to handle, with sophisticated steering and an overall performance that exceeded expectations.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's weakest point was its standard V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine struggled with the SUV's weight, and the sport mode did little to improve its performance. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better choice, especially for towing, with a max rating of 7,200 pounds compared to 6,200 with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8's ratings were 14/22/17.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for a smooth ride through corners. The steering could have been quicker, but the overall handling topped the class, except for race-tuned models from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the most advanced being Quadra-Drive II, which included a low-range transfer case and limited-slip differential. The air suspension allowed for ground clearance up to 10.9 inches, making the Grand Cherokee L a capable off-roader.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's added length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row was best suited for children, with power-folding headrests and manual second-row seats. The driver's seat offered good visibility, and the touchscreen controls were surrounded by buttons for audio, climate, and other functions. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the largest in its class.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience, though the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be overly sensitive.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation with full-screen maps. The Uconnect 5 system was generally quick and easy to use, though some legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option on upper trims. Night vision and Active Driving Assist were available on higher trims, and the passenger screen in the dash allowed for independent control of navigation, cameras, and entertainment.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scored a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Active Driving Assist was standard on the Summit Reserve trim.