Jeep Wrangler vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Jeep Wrangler a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLE a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Jeep Wrangler features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Jeep Wrangler stands out with Alpine audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Jeep Wrangler gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Jeep Wrangler and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Drivetrain

The Jeep Wrangler uses a Petrol I4 Turbo producing 200kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 200kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Jeep Wrangler measures 4,334mm long on a 2,459mm wheelbase, 590mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 365L in the Jeep Wrangler and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 265L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 4.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,497kg. That 2,003kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Jeep Wrangler's turning circle is 2.1 m tighter, 10.0 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Jeep Wrangler costs about $2,907 a year (10.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLE about $2,879 a year (10.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $28 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Warranty: 5 years / 100k km (Jeep Wrangler) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Jeep Wrangler), no data (Mercedes-Benz GLE).

Where each one leads

The Jeep Wrangler: the lower starting price ($81,990 against $199,900).

The Mercedes-Benz GLE: more power (320kW against 200kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (630L against 365L), the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,497kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,879 a year against $2,907).

The Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLE scores higher, 65 vs 60

The Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 65 to the Jeep Wrangler's 60 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 5 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 37 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 34 points), value (Jeep Wrangler ahead by 23 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLE costs about $28 less (10.1 L/100km against 10.2 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 365L in the Jeep Wrangler, 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Common questions