2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, underwent a refresh that maintained its upright stance, low belt line, and large windows. However, the new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a fresh vibe, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The Upland trim added front recovery hooks that enhanced utility without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a modern design with strong horizontal lines. The 12-inch infotainment screen, though slightly small for the vehicle's size, was complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats, while plain in appearance, offered comfort and adjustability, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's trim and materials were premium, with options for Nappa and Palermo leather and a suede headliner, contributing to a solid fit and finish.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE, in its fourth generation, received a significant facelift with a star motif for the lights and grille, incorporating nearly 150 three-pointed stars. These changes applied to both the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, though they didn't necessarily enhance the aesthetics. The GLE retained its rounded silhouette, reminiscent of the old M-Class, which clashed with its boxy fenders. The AMG models featured sportier styling with larger air intakes and prominent exhaust tips. Inside, the dashboard was rearranged to accommodate the Superscreen display, while fit and finish remained high. Material quality varied with trim levels, offering options like wood trim and real leather upholstery. The Manufaktur Interior Package added vibrant upholstery colors for higher trims.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a standard 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even for a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. Although the high-output Hurricane engine was removed for 2026, the standard engine still offered ample power. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, delivering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, with a total range of over 500 miles. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a wide range of powertrain options, including four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, along with two plug-in hybrids. The base GLE 350 4Matic had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp and 413 lb-ft, while the GLE 580 4Matic had a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 rated at 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. All engines included a mild-hybrid system. The GLE 580's V8 received a flat-plane crankshaft for reduced emissions, and the inline-six saw increased responsiveness. The GLE 500e 4Matic plug-in hybrid offered 429 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid and AMG GLE 63 S provided even more power. The GLE's ride was cushioned, though not as sporty as some rivals.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering three rows with ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version increased it to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row and three-row options, with the latter being a tight fit for midsize SUVs. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, providing class-competitive first-row headroom but limited legroom. Heated power front seats with lumbar support were standard, with ventilation and massage options available. The second row offered generous headroom and legroom, with a standard panoramic glass roof for SUV models. The GLE Coupe had reduced rear-seat headroom and cargo space. The GLE SUV provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet. The GLE's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims offered features like a front console cooler, a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system, and a front passenger interactive display. While the tech generally performed well, the wireless phone charger had issues, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. Adjustable pedals were no longer available for 2026.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Superscreen display, consisting of three 12.3-inch screens. The MBUX infotainment system was upgraded with the MB.OS operating system and AI-enhanced voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained. The augmented-reality head-up display was a new option, projecting navigation arrows. An inward-facing camera and Microsoft Teams App enabled videoconferencing, with a 15-speaker Burmester audio system standard on most models.

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer was equipped with safety features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores in crash tests.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard driver-assistance features such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. A parking-assist system and surround-view camera system were available. The GLE's sensor suite supported advanced driver-assistance systems, and its headlights could be programmed for adaptive high beams. The structurally identical 2026 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.