2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, a restyled grille with the new VW logo, and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's design was understated, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity and minimalism. The R-Line models added a sportier touch, with the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition offering a trendy blacked-out appearance. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a sophisticated cabin with perforated leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting, though the hard plastic in the lower cabin hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a classic and substantive styling, with the GLC 300 model receiving a redesign that was subtle yet effective. The most noticeable change was the narrower taillights, while the rest of the exterior remained similar to its predecessor. The GLC's design was elegant and timeless, though some might have wished for a bit more personality. Inside, the GLC's cabin received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction were top-notch, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The GLC Coupe models retained their first-generation design, with a coupe-like roofline that set them apart.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan continued with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD were standard, with power distribution favouring fuel efficiency when AWD wasn't needed. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's performance was somewhat hindered by turbo lag and a lack of power, resulting in a fuel efficiency of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

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. A 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD were standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, offering a sportier driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact SUVs with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim offered leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration, though the optional third row compromised cargo capacity.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery. The cabin featured a large centre console bin, wireless charging pad, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats provided sufficient space for average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. The GLC's cargo capacity was 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but still adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, was standard on most trims, offering Car-Net connected services, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Highline R-Line included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the MIB3's voice recognition was disappointing, and the touch controls were challenging to use.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior was dominated by an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system featured 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 lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements were expected to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on its predecessor's ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features, with additional cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.