2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a generational redesign, maintaining a familiar aesthetic to appease its loyal fanbase. The exterior changes were subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, while the headlights became narrower and more aggressive. The rear design saw updates with a connecting trim piece across the taillights and a less chrome-heavy look. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roof, giving it a hatchback-like appearance. The grille design differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300, with the AMG featuring vertical bars reminiscent of a pinstriped uniform. Inside, the GLC's interior was luxurious, with options like two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S presented a rugged, utilitarian design, with a black-on-black color scheme that was less than ideal for the tropical climate of Hawaii. Despite this, the Wrangler's open-air driving experience, with removable panels and windows down, made the color less significant. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. Our rental Sport S model had a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, priced at nearly $50,000. The interior was functional, with gray fabric trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Wrangler's design emphasized American freedom, with its iconic seven-slot grille and capability to tackle diverse terrains, though it lacked the sophistication of modern vehicles.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The GLC 300, the base model, offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a rear-wheel-drive setup and an optional all-wheel-drive system. Both the GLC 300 and AMG GLC 43 used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the AMG model featuring a multi-clutch system for faster shifts. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering enhanced the AMG GLC's sporty nature, though it resulted in a firmer ride.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering better fuel efficiency and performance at higher elevations. During our test drive in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were well-suited for the island's terrain, with standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and good approach and departure angles. However, its ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected at higher speeds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The interior featured standard heated and memory front seats, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe had less cargo space, with 17.6 cubic feet available, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated seats and steering wheel. The Wrangler accommodated four passengers comfortably, though rear-seat legroom was limited. Storage space was minimal, with small bins and cupholders for personal items. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though accessing it required opening the tailgate and rear window.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering voice command functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a Burmester sound system, and an off-road display. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Additional tech options included an Advanced USB package.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sport S model offered an optional Alpine sound system and Jeep Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and GPS Trail Logs. The Convenience Group pack added a digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group package.

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

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with forward collision warning available on the Sahara trim. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it "Good" for side-impact protection but "Marginal" for small overlap frontal-impact tests.