2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 artful blend of soft lines and curves, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz was known for its minimalist approach, and the GLC's interior set a high standard for compact luxury SUV cabins.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges to hide the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin with ample storage options. The Sienna provided comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could be easily stored into the floor, and the second-row seats slid significantly to facilitate access to the rear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came equipped with 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 various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience. While the GLC was not overly sporty, it provided ample power and a responsive driving experience. For those seeking more performance, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered significantly more power, with 385 hp and 503 hp, respectively.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth power delivery and excellent fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. It boasted impressive fuel consumption figures, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway, making it an economical choice for families.

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 variant, although the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, making it easy to access the passenger and cargo areas. The third-row bench could be easily stored into the floor, and the second-row seats provided flexibility for loading cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, offering both touch and voice control. The system was intuitive, with a learning curve that quickly became seamless. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the purchase of the Intelligent Drive Package to access advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The Premium Plus Package added parking sensors and hands-free parking assist, although the sensors were overly sensitive.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.