2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, offering more distinctive illumination. It also had updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the trim levels were restructured into the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo variants.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, specifically the GLC 300, was redesigned, while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The most noticeable exterior change was the new, narrower taillights. The GLC maintained its classy and timeless design, though it lacked a bit of personality. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials quality and construction were excellent, and the design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It featured a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. It also had standard AWD and an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5’s driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD), with optional 4Matic AWD. Mercedes estimated a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine with identical performance figures. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The GLC 300 prioritized comfort over sporty handling, offering a smooth ride and a nearly silent cabin.

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, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but included heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s front seats offered ample adjustment and long-distance comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that looked and felt substantial. Real leather was available for a smoother surface. The GLC had a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats provided adequate space for average adults, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo capacity was 21.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, smaller than rivals but adequate for most shoppers. The GLC Coupe’s sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system had excellent voice recognition but could interrupt music or podcasts. The new system lacked physical buttons, making no-look adjustments difficult. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top scores from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, emergency stop assist, and a surround-view camera system. The GLC Coupe had additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera.