2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation as a top seller in the compact crossover segment. Its design, which had matured significantly in the previous model year, carried over with a sophisticated and grown-up aesthetic. The exterior featured Nissan's signature V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a refined and detailed look. The centre console was a standout feature, offering ample storage space and a modern electronic gear selector. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models remained unchanged. The exterior changes were subtle, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable update. The GLC maintained its classy and timeless design, though some might have wished for more distinctiveness. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The interior exuded luxury with high-quality materials and a clean, modern design. The GLC Coupe retained its first-generation interior, offering some usability advantages over the newer model.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue saw a notable improvement in performance with the introduction of its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine. This innovative engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant boost over the previous model. The VC-Turbo technology allowed for variable compression, optimizing power and efficiency based on driving demands. The Rogue's fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with precise steering and a tight turning diameter.

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 lb-ft of torque. The GLC's acceleration was smooth and linear, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system provided confident handling. While the GLC prioritized comfort over sporty handling, it still cornered with confidence. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine, offering similar performance figures. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe, with its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, delivered a more exhilarating driving experience, reaching 100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and practicality. The front cabin offered numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, and various bins and cubbies. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB ports for device charging. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, with up to 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior. The front seats offered ample adjustment and were available in synthetic or real leather upholstery. The centre console featured a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black trim was prone to fingerprints. The GLC's rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with ample legroom. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, while the Coupe's sloping roofline reduced capacity to 500 litres. The rear seats folded flat for added versatility.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver-assist system, was available, offering features like adaptive cruise control and predictive speed control.

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

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, offering Level 2 driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.

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.