2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight and made the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Inside, the Highlander's unconventional asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed more suited to a paper towel than a car. The Softex synthetic leather substitute felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available in higher trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was notably uncomfortable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, while redesigned, retained a familiar look with narrower taillights as the most noticeable change. Its styling remained classy and timeless, though some might have preferred more personality to distinguish it from the previous generation. The AMG Line package offered darkened accents for a sportier appearance. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, exuding a modern, high-tech vibe. The materials quality and construction were excellent, and the cockpit design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The returning GLC Coupe models maintained their coupe-like roofline, setting them apart from the traditional GLC 300. Overall, the GLC continued to exude traditional luxury while competitors leaned more into sport and technology.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The engine hum was subtle under light pressure but became an uninspired drone when more power was needed. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

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. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD in Canada. Acceleration was smooth, 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 300 delivered a smoother ride than its rivals, with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC Coupe continued with its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering a sportier option with a firmer ride and louder engine.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned and adjustable, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was ample, with a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating six-footers with ease, and offered sliding and reclining options. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment and comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that convincingly mimicked genuine hides. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. Storage included a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats accommodated average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, smaller than rivals, but adequate for most shoppers. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and rear headroom by 35 millimetres.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior 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 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. The previous generation's layout and system were available with the less practical Coupe body style.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround-view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems could use some fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and excessive steering resistance noted.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The Coupe shared similar safety features, with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard.