2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior featured new hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, pushing the SUV into a modern era.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, redesigned and sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, maintained a familiar look with subtle changes like narrower taillights. Despite its evolutionary design, the GLC retained its classy and timeless appeal. The interior received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The GLC Coupe models, carryovers from the previous year, retained their coupe-like roofline and first-generation interior, which aged well. Overall, the GLC continued to exude traditional luxury, appealing to those who appreciate a classic design.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The X-Pro model featured a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Telluride provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with some wind noise at highway speeds, and the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine 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. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, 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 smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC Coupe continued with its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe provided a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered adjustable front seats with synthetic leather upholstery, providing long-distance comfort. The interior featured a large centre console bin, wireless charging pad, and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC provided ample space for taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults with limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most shoppers. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system provided helpful reminders.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 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. The system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were unavailable, but the previous model received top scores from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.