2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade stood as a flagship in Hyundai's SUV lineup, replacing the Santa Fe XL. It boasted an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of Hyundai's designs being unimaginative. The Palisade featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting, giving it a signature look. Its interior was equally polished, with a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials throughout. The spacious second and third rows, along with near-luxury fit and finish, made the Palisade a worthy flagship.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of new and old, with the GLC 300 being redesigned while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The GLC 300's exterior changes were subtle, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable update. The interior, however, received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and excellent materials quality. The GLC maintained its traditional luxury appeal, though some might have wished for a bit more personality to distinguish it from its predecessor.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine choice was almost a throwback in an era of turbocharged engines, but it offered a baritone rumble and no turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.6 on the highway. It handled well, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension, and could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The GLC's suspension favoured comfort, providing a smoother ride than its rivals. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their older engines, with the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offering a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 385 horsepower.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating in all three rows. It provided 509 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with both rows folded. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire setup and a dual-panel sunroof on higher trims. Heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, and premium Nappa leather upholstery were among the luxury features available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered well-shaped front seats with synthetic leather upholstery and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLC's cargo space was 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but still adequate. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres. The interior featured a large centre console bin, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on higher trims, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics, though its placement made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and forward-looking parking sensors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features.