2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had stood the test of time. Despite its long production run without substantial changes, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches. Its dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The interior, however, revealed its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed outdated compared to modern SUVs. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

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 received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with Mercedes' modern design language. The GLC's cabin was praised for its excellent materials and solid construction, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to its rivals. The returning Coupe models retained their first-generation interior, which had aged well and offered some usability advantages.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia boasted a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 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 suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling, providing a smooth ride and a nearly silent cabin. The GLC Coupe models continued with their older engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a standard power moonroof, and heated front seats. The cargo compartment provided 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows folded flat.

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. While the GLC provided plenty of space for front passengers, rear headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, while the Coupe's sloping roofline reduced it to 500 litres. The rear seats folded flat to accommodate larger items.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. The Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technologies like turbocharging and electrification, but it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted a modern infotainment system with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. The MBUX system featured excellent voice recognition, though the screen's placement was somewhat distracting. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. The GLC's infotainment system was more advanced but required more attention due to its layout.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The STAR safety system provided stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and parking-assist sonar.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but its predecessor received top scores. The GLC 300 included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe offered additional features like cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.