2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to timeless design, eschewing the aggressive styling trends of its contemporaries for a more classic aesthetic. Its exterior featured soft curves and rounded edges, complemented by menacing LED headlights that added a touch of modern aggression. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC 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 was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, maintained a mature design that had been largely unchanged since its last major update in 2008. Its exterior struck a balance with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, presenting a big and bold presence. Inside, the Sequoia's age was apparent, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard that contrasted with the modern, layered designs of its competitors. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a glimpse of modernity amidst its dated design.

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 engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered a range of drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. While the GLC 300 provided ample power for most situations, those seeking more performance could opt for the AMG GLC 43 with a 385-horsepower twin-turbo V6 or the AMG GLC 63 S with a 503-horsepower twin-turbo V8.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential and a two-speed transfer case for 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its hefty weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a versatile interior with 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 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo compartment was equally impressive, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows flat. The Sequoia also offered numerous storage compartments and power outlets for added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a touch controller. The system was intuitive, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The steering wheel included touch-sensitive pads for navigating the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen. While there was a learning curve, the system was seamless once acclimated.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen was outclassed by modern digital dashboards. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered advanced safety features through the Intelligent Drive Package, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, leading to distracting false positives.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags.