2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its recent facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that gave it a wide stance. The sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created unique proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. While not the most handsome in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes. New paint colors and interior options, including Nappa leather upholstery in vibrant shades, allowed buyers to personalize their GLE, enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience in Hawaii, presented a rugged and utilitarian design. Its black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for the tropical climate, but the Wrangler's open-air driving experience made up for it. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior remained functional, with a focus on durability and practicality. Its design evoked themes of American freedom, rooted in its military heritage, and its capability to tackle diverse terrains made it a popular choice despite its lack of sophistication.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist, offering 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, along with a 50-mile electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models offered even more power, with the latter reaching 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE's size and weight made it feel less nimble, even with AMG enhancements.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's standard powertrain was a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission was available, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine offered better performance at higher elevations and slightly improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a week-long evaluation in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities, including standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles, made it well-suited for adventurous driving. However, its rough ride and disconnected steering feel were notable drawbacks, and its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not provide third-row space specifications. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than many rivals, with three inches of additional legroom compared to some competitors. Cargo space was competitive, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLE's maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds matched the Audi Q7, making it a capable choice for towing. However, its bulky center console limited small-item storage.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. While step rails were available, they could complicate access and soil clothing. The Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated seats and steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a dual 12.3-inch screen setup, combining a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad, buttons, and voice recognition, were available, though potentially confusing. AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's capabilities, although it wasn't as off-road-focused as some competitors.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S trim featured an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine system optional. Jeep Connect provided access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs. The touchscreen remained bright and usable even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were part of the optional Active Safety Group.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system aimed to mitigate collision effects. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for front and rear seats as standard equipment. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Sahara trim. Adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights were also available. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated its side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating.