2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was characterized by its timeless aesthetic, diverging 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 avoided the sharpness seen in competitors like the Lexus NX. Its 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 testament to automotive artistry, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated its interior to a benchmark for compact luxury SUVs. The GLC was available in both a conventional SUV format and a crossover "coupe" body style, the latter offering a sharp look at the expense of cargo space.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that broke up monotony and provided storage. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high for reduced distraction, and the Bronze Edition introduced unique elements like bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, though the latter was prone to dirt and stains. The Highlander's interior materials trailed behind competitors, but its hybrid status offered a unique appeal in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission to its 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Despite these performance features, the GLC 300's turbo engine provided ample power even in Comfort mode, with occasional lag from the inline-4. The steering was soft yet precise, offering a refined and responsive driving experience. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 engines, producing 385 and 503 horsepower, respectively, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. Toyota estimated a 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds, comparable to gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid initial response, with the gasoline engine supplying adequate power thereafter. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in a droning engine sound, particularly when ascending hills. The Highlander's braking system seamlessly transitioned from regenerative to physical brakes, and its soft suspension smoothed over road imperfections, prioritizing comfort over sportiness. The cabin remained quiet on highways, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, reducing to 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design cut these figures to 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively, aligning with the BMW X4's cargo capacity. The non-Coupe GLC ranked mid-pack among compact luxury SUVs, with the BMW X3 offering more space. The GLC's interior featured a decently sized centre console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders, optimizing storage. Rear-seat space was adequate without needing to adjust the seats, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample adjustments for drivers of varying heights. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf for the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for added comfort. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed, offering competitive capacity for a three-row SUV.

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, part of the Premium Package. The system was intuitive, offering both touch and controller options, with steering wheel touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating the home menu.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Satellite radio and remote vehicle monitoring were included with limited trial periods, while navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A surround view camera and head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and excessive steering resistance noted.