2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive, functional, and versatile, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing attraction, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a best-selling model in the US, underwent a generational redesign with a restrained approach to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The new GLC sported updated taillights and a revised rear end design, with door handles moved down the sides and narrower, more menacing headlights. The Coupe maintained its steeply sloping profile, with a fastback roof forming a trunk. The interior was sumptuous, featuring two-tone leather upholstery, optional wood-and-metal dash treatment, and a plethora of screens, buttons, ambient lighting, and vents. The GLC was heavy on gadgetry, offering a class-leading interior for those who appreciated a tech-laden environment.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, instilling confidence when driven conservatively, though it didn't encourage sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by an inch and featured all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's twin-turbocharged V6. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system assisted the engine, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with all-wheel drive available, while the AMG GLC 43 featured standard 4Matic AWD. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed offering faster shifts and handling more torque. The performance suspension provided improved handling but a firmer ride, appealing to enthusiasts seeking sporty driving.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. Entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen seemed small for the space but was adequate. Primary controls were logically placed, with a large rubberized shelf for phones and a wireless charging pad. Clever storage features included a stowable second-row center seat, providing a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity reached 114.3 cubic feet with seats folded, offering 30% more capacity than the Kia Telluride.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-biased, with controls angled toward the driver. The AMG models featured additional controls on the steering wheel. Both front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Coupe's hatchback-like configuration allowed for more space despite its tighter interior.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Features included Honda's CabinTalk, navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for off-roading awareness.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, with a responsive voice command system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display with a "Transparent Hood" feature. The Pinnacle trim added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An optional Advanced USB package increased USB-C ports from three to six.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite included surround-view and multi-view camera systems.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a collision by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and emitting a "pink noise" to protect passengers' hearing. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.