2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. While it maintained a modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, it avoided the overly sharp designs seen in some competitors. The GLC's 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 an automotive masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC Coupe, although stylish, sacrificed some cargo space for its sharp look.

In contrast, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander embraced a bold design with its "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept, presenting a balanced and appealing exterior. The Outlander was available in multiple trims, with the GT Premium offering luxurious touches like premium semi-aniline leather and a head-up display. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with authentic aluminum accents and gloss black trim. However, some interior plastics reminded occupants of its position in the SUV hierarchy. Despite this, Mitsubishi avoided using obviously inexpensive materials, maintaining a sense of quality throughout the cabin.

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. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The GLC offered a range of drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, but even in Comfort mode, the engine provided ample power. The AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered more potent powertrains, with the latter boasting a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 hp, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. While the Outlander offered multiple driving modes, its performance was less impressive, particularly at higher speeds or when accelerating onto highways. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a less comfortable ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly higher than its official rating.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 550 litres with them 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 legroom and headroom, although the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in the GT and GT Premium trims. The rear seat offered generous space, with the ability to slide forward and back for additional cargo room. However, the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults. With the third row in use, cargo capacity was limited to 331 litres, expanding to 948 litres with it folded down. Maximum cargo capacity reached 2,256 litres, or 2,217 litres with the panoramic sunroof.

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 and controller options for navigating menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required some navigation.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system in the GT Premium trim. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 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, though the sensors were overly sensitive and could be distracting.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included common safety features like forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though early models had poorly rated headlights.