2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a refreshed exterior with new LED headlights and taillights, aiming to improve visibility and safety. The updated bumpers, grille, and rear liftgate, along with new alloy wheel designs, contributed to its modernized look. The Signature trim stood out with body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats offered improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models remained unchanged. The GLC 300 featured narrower taillights, but its overall design closely resembled the first-generation model. Despite its familiar look, the GLC retained its classy and timeless appeal. The interior received a significant update with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech ambiance. The GLC Coupe maintained its distinctive coupe-like roofline, setting it apart from the standard GLC 300.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised 6-speed automatic transmission provided more responsive performance, and all models came with standard all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbocharged engine option delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a slightly higher fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive were standard in Canada. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal effort was soft but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new seats that provided better support and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery. The interior featured a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders. The GLC provided plenty of space for front passengers, while rear headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC had 620 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth. The lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims. Mazda Connected Services offered a complimentary two-year trial subscription.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the screen's placement made it more distracting to use. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system was available for audio enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous model received top scores from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added advanced driver assistance technologies, and the Coupe offered additional safety features like cross-traffic alerts.