Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
From $69,450
SUV
Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS
210kW
10.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
487L
Mercedes-Benz GLC
From $89,900
SUV
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
600L
Price Breakdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts from $69,450 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee L the more affordable entry point by $20,450.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,395 and $98,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLC by roughly $4,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS producing 210kW and 344Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters to a 4WD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L measures 5,204mm long on a 3,091mm wheelbase, 488mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 487L in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 113L advantage. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L leads with a 2,813kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 813kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,021/year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $969 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Estimated annual total: $3,021 (Jeep Grand Cherokee L) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Mercedes-Benz GLC saves you roughly $969 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Grand Cherokee L) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLC will save you roughly $969 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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