2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we sampled the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, focusing our commentary on these versions of the SUV. All Tellurides received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. There were also three new paint colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green. Fresh interior colors included Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The Telluride X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition in the lineup. In addition to a raised suspension, the X-Line featured a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it a step further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Combined with the updated bumper designs, both models had a mildly aggressive off-roader look.

Kia’s interior updates weren’t as obvious. The most significant change was the available digital instrumentation panel and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, mounted side-by-side on the dashboard under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. These features gave the Telluride a modern, futuristic look.

Other 2023 Kia Telluride interior changes included new colors, minor trim changes, a new steering wheel design, and modifications to enhance the center console's functionality. Both the X-Line and X-Pro had their trim names embossed into the upper portion of the front seatbacks.

Kia offered the 2023 Telluride in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. The X-Line package was available with EX, SX, and SX Prestige, while the X-Pro package required SX or SX Prestige trim. Prices started at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $35,690 for the LX with front-wheel drive (FWD) and rose to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with all-wheel drive (AWD). The destination charge added another $1,335 to these values.

We sampled two SX Prestige models: one painted Wolf Gray with X-Line trim ($54,120 including destination) and the other dipped in the new Midnight Lake Blue with X-Pro trim ($55,120).

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was divided between new and old. The GLC 300 was redesigned, whereas the Coupe models were carryovers from the previous year, with new Coupes expected for the 2024 model year. Even though the standard GLC 300 was an all-new car, the differences were subtle. The most recognizable change was the new narrower taillights. Otherwise, it could easily be mistaken for the first-generation GLC that had been in production since 2016.

The GLC had always been a leader in the small luxury SUV class. Its classy, substantive styling eschewed novelty, allowing the design to stand the test of time. It remained attractive, but there was room for a bit more personality to distinguish the new GLC from its predecessor.

The new GLC's interior received a more significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen dominated the center of the dashboard, complemented by a tablet-like instrument panel in front of the driver. The design was modern with a high-tech slant, featuring excellent materials quality and solid construction. Compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX, the GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner.

The returning GLC Coupe models looked similar outside, but their coupe-like roofline set them apart from the more traditional GLC 300. The first-generation interior aged well and even offered a few usability advantages over its newer sibling.

Overall, the GLC-Class had hit the target seven years ago, and the new model was an evolution of that theme. It exuded traditional luxury while competitors leaned more towards sport and technology.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride remained largely unchanged. It featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. The available AWD system also had a low-speed Lock setting that evenly distributed power between the front and rear wheels.

The V6 easily motivated the Telluride, and during our test, we averaged 24.1 mpg in the X-Line, which included heavy traffic and twisty roads, but was mostly highway driving. Comfort mode was our default, though we switched to Sport mode for more entertaining sections of the route. The X-Pro was less efficient, returning 20.4 mpg, including half an hour of off-roading in Lock mode. According to official EPA fuel economy ratings, the 2023 Telluride with AWD should get 21 mpg in combined driving.

To support the X-Line and X-Pro's styling updates, Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance by 0.4 inches to 8.4 inches, and improved approach and departure angles. They also modified the traction control system for better off-road performance. The Telluride received a new Downhill Brake Control system, which worked well despite a moment of unexpected speed.

The Telluride X-Pro, with its 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, was the choice for off-roading. It had an improved cooling system that increased towing capacity from 5,000 to 5,500 pounds, and a self-leveling rear air suspension was available.

Kia took us off-roading in Texas hill country, and the Telluride performed well. The terrain showcased the AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, ground clearance, wheel articulation, Downhill Brake Control system, forward camera view system, and lateral stability.

On highways between San Antonio and Austin, the Telluride was terrific to drive, offering a soft, smooth ride without feeling disconnected from the road. Aside from some wind noise at highway speeds, the Telluride was quiet. The off-road tires made it feel a bit squishier in turns, and Sport mode's steering was too firm, but overall, the 2023 Telluride was delightful to drive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim in its first year. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and RWD as standard, with Mercedes' 4Matic AWD available.

Acceleration was pleasantly smooth, almost linear like an electric vehicle. Mercedes estimated a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. There was no stress when merging onto highways, and there was plenty of power to pass slower traffic. However, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's four-cylinder powertrain despite similar acceleration times.

The brake pedal effort was a bit too soft, but the brakes effectively slowed the SUV in a hurry and were easy to modulate for smooth stops. The suspension favored compliance and comfort over sporty handling, but the GLC cornered confidently. Future AMG models would likely satisfy those seeking sportier handling. As it stood, the GLC 300 delivered a smoother ride and a nearly silent cabin compared to its rivals.

The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It was estimated to hit 60 mph in the same 6.2 seconds. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, increasing output to 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and should accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Its sport-tuned suspension and exhaust made it more extroverted, with a firmer ride and louder engine that affected comfort but remained acceptable for sport-minded drivers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride could accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. The SX Prestige trim included a heated steering wheel.

There was ample room inside the Telluride. Both front seats were comfortable, and a new power lumbar stabilization system aimed to keep drivers fresh on long trips. The second-row seats were also comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable inboard armrests, USB ports on the front seatbacks, and ample storage pockets, including separate slots for smartphones. The overhead controls for the triple-zone climate system allowed rear-seat riders to adjust their temperature settings.

Access to the third-row seats was straightforward, thanks to a button on the second-row captain’s chairs that moved them forward, providing a clear path. Larger adults could find more comfort in the Telluride's third-row compared to some competitors, although it couldn't match the Volkswagen Atlas for leg support and room.

Storage was plentiful in the front and second rows, and Kia offered a "smart" power tailgate with proximity-sensing for easy cargo area access. The Telluride's cargo space remained generous: 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The GLC's front seats offered enough adjustments for finding a preferred position. They were firm but well-shaped for long-distance comfort. Mercedes' synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained like real leather, with options for genuine leather that provided smoother, equally comfortable surfaces.

There were plenty of storage options for personal items, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. Door pockets and a bin under the center armrest provided additional storage.

The GLC's front seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the rear seats provided ample space for average adults. Tall occupants might find headroom slightly limited, but legroom was abundant. An optional panoramic sunroof was available on all GLC 300 trims.

The GLC's cargo capacity was smaller than some rivals, at 21.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This figure was smaller by up to 35 percent compared to competitors, but still adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat with the cargo floor for larger items, and they dropped at the touch of a button.

The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and headroom by 1.3 inches.

Kia made a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard in all 2023 Telluride models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. We tested the voice recognition system, which performed well with standard commands. However, it did not accept climate control commands, which needed manual adjustments.

The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Over-the-air (OTA) updates kept the infotainment system current, and the Bluetooth software supported pairing two devices simultaneously. Kia also equipped the Telluride with six USB charging ports, giving passengers in every row access to power.

Every Telluride featured Driver Talk, allowing drivers to project their voice to rear passengers through the stereo speakers, and Quiet Mode, which turned off the rear speakers for late-night rides with sleeping children.

Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. New digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as the vehicle’s key. The Full Display Mirror provided a video view of what was behind the SUV, useful when the cargo area was packed. An optional head-up display (HUD) had a larger, full-color 10-inch viewing area showing additional information, including turn-by-turn navigation and driving assistance system status.

The Telluride also had a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, which notified the driver when the traffic ahead started moving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen. The graphics were sharp, and responses immediate, but the lower dashboard placement made it more distracting to use. The previous generation had a smaller, more accessible screen and a trackpad on the center console that allowed easier control.

The new GLC retained a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel for on-screen cursor control, but its sensitivity made it frustrating to use. The MBUX infotainment system had excellent voice recognition for many features, though voice controls interrupted ongoing music or podcast playback.

The new infotainment system performed well but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons, which complicated no-look adjustments for audio and climate controls. The older system and layout were still available but only in the less practical Coupe body style.

The GLC's standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system appealing to audiophiles.

Kia offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features on the 2023 Telluride, with several new advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) for 2023.

Every model included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a new junction turning system for safer left-turns, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Safe Exit Assist system alerted occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors.

The 2023 Telluride came with standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, now enhanced with navigation data to automatically reduce speed before entering curves. The new Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature helped drivers adhere to speed limits.

Highway Drive Assist 1.5, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist for semi-autonomous driving on highways, was standard. The upgraded Highway Drive Assist 2.0 added Lane Change Assist and was available from SX trim.

The SX trim and above included additional collision avoidance features related to oncoming traffic, evasive steering assist, and lane-change accident prevention. It also had front parking sensors, low-speed automatic emergency braking while parking, a surround-view camera with forward view for off-roading, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Other standard safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors to detect movement and notify the driver via smartphone if someone was left inside the vehicle.

In real-world testing, the forward collision warning system effectively caught drivers’ attention without startling them. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 performed well in stop-and-go traffic, allowing for high trust levels.

Crash-test ratings for the 2023 Kia Telluride were unavailable at the time of this review.

Crash-test results for the new 2023 GLC 300 were not yet available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, given Mercedes' history and reputation, it was expected to achieve strong scores. The previous GLC, on which the returning Coupe was based, received a five-star rating from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side crash protection. It also received top scores from the IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick.

Standard safety features for the new GLC 300 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. Options also included a surround-view camera system and upgraded headlights. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera, and its Driver Assistance package was identical to the new GLC.

Both new and old safety systems showed excellent reliability, with rare false alarms and smooth, trustworthy adaptive cruise control performance.