2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, which debuted in 1998, evolved over the years, with the latest generation launched in 2021. It embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The design featured a bold front end, cleverly concealed door hinges, and an assertive profile with wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that folded into the floor, making it a versatile family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of new and old elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC 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, however, received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and high-quality materials. The GLC maintained its reputation for luxury, offering a smooth ride and a nearly silent cabin. The returning GLC Coupe retained its distinctive coupe-like roofline, providing a sportier option within the lineup.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system included a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without adding mechanical complexity. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. It featured four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models recorded slightly higher figures.

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, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. While not as lively as some competitors, it provided ample power for highway merging and passing. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, catering to sport-minded drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench folded into the floor, and all rows featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLC provided sufficient storage, including a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad. While front space was generous, rear headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The GLC's cargo capacity was 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna offered telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system, with a rear-seat entertainment system available on higher trims. A digital rearview mirror was optional, providing a clear view when the cabin was full.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and responsive controls. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons for audio and climate controls was a drawback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested, but its predecessor received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added advanced driver assistance technologies. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features, with additional cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.