2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, both inside and out, which allowed it to maintain its stylish edge in a competitive market. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align more closely with other Lexus models, and a new paint colour, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle was also revamped with a new shape, dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior featured a variety of colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its dated centre stack, the RX's interior was designed to withstand family life while maintaining a premium feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, contrasting with the aggressive styling trends of the time. The GLC's exterior featured a long hood and wide grille, giving it a dramatic stance reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. The cabin was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to design, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The GLC's interior was considered a benchmark for compact luxury SUVs, with a focus on artful packaging. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look. Standard features on the GLC 300 included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the interior boasted synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and the MBUX infotainment system. The GLC 300 could be upgraded with packages that added features like navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. The AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 offered more powerful engines and performance enhancements for those seeking a sportier experience.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the three-row RX 350 L was slightly less powerful at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor to produce 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with a CVT completing the powertrain. The RX hybrid models featured motors that powered both the front and rear wheels, adding 67 horsepower. The RX 350 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds, with the RX 450h L taking slightly longer. Fuel efficiency was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h using 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with F Sport models adding Sport S+ and Customize modes. The RX 350 provided a smooth driving experience with standard AWD, though it lacked torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC AWD. The GLC featured Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, though the default Comfort mode provided ample power. The AMG GLC 43 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 503 horsepower. The GLC's powertrain was generally responsive, with precise steering and confident handling. The AMG models delivered sports car-like performance, with impressive acceleration and cornering capabilities.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German counterparts, but it was functional. The two-row RX comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was spacious in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could impede sightlines. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on certain models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 550 litres with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures to 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively. The GLC's interior featured a decently sized centre console and deep door pockets for storage. The rear seats provided adequate legroom and headroom, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom. The GLC made efficient use of its interior space, with the SUV version offering more practicality than the Coupe.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity helped mitigate issues. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other app compatibility. The centre console touchpad system was improved, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC's Premium Package included the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and touch controller. The system was intuitive, with touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel for navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating the home screen. Overall, the system was user-friendly and well-integrated.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. The 2020 model added features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect were included, though connectivity issues were noted during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package. The parking sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions, but could be deactivated.