2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was characterized by its timeless aesthetic, a departure from the aggressive styling trends of its contemporaries. With soft curves and rounded edges, the GLC maintained a modern edge through its menacing LED headlights, yet it avoided the sharpness of competitors like the Lexus NX. The long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was a masterpiece of automotive design, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that set a high standard for compact luxury SUV interiors. The interior was equipped with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and a fully digital instrument panel, among other features.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX embraced a bold design with its signature spindle grille and refined details, reflecting the brand's focus on design. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, with a decluttered dashboard and a focus on comfort, especially in models with heated and ventilated front seats. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats and unique interior trims. Despite the simplification, some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive, though physical controls for essential functions remained. The NX offered a 14% increase in cargo space, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by 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 all-wheel drive. It featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, offering a balance of refinement and responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered twin-turbocharged engines with 385 and 503 horsepower, respectively, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the NX 350 with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered electrified options, with the latter providing 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of pure electric range. The NX 350 F Sport demonstrated a taut and lean feel on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer driving character.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 provided ample storage options, including a decently sized centre console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed increased interior room, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX offered 643 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded. Thematic Ambient Illumination and a panoramic sunroof added to the interior's appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, centre console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch controller and touchscreen options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant responded to natural commands, and the NX offered a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect services. The system's cloud-based features and digital key capability were highlights, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive and could be distracting.

The 2022 Lexus NX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced safety. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages included rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.