2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the revamped C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected for the 2024 model year. Despite being an all-new car, the GLC 300's changes were subtle, with the most noticeable update being its narrower taillights. The design retained its classic appeal, maintaining a similar grille, roofline, and beltline, which could easily be mistaken for the first-generation GLC. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The GLC Coupe models retained their first-generation interiors, which had aged well and offered some usability advantages over the newer sibling.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was based on the SR5 trim level and added retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents for an additional $3,330. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle, priced at $54,380, featured a nostalgic design reminiscent of 1970s truck-based SUVs, with yellow, orange, and red stripes and bronze alloy wheels. The interior was purposeful, with solid plastic coverings and easy-to-use controls, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design and features provided an enduring appeal, combining modern touches with a classic SUV stance.

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, producing 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 accelerated smoothly, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. While it offered sufficient power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's powertrain. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing a sportier option with a firmer ride.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It had a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the 40 ASE averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked precision. Despite these flaws, the 4Runner's powertrain handled elevation changes well and was more at home in off-road environments.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and firm cushioning. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. Standard features in Canada included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLC provided sufficient storage options, though the piano black lid of the centre console attracted dust and fingerprints. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but still adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and impacted rear headroom.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. The 4Runner's seats were comfortable, with ventilated leather available on the Limited trim, while the 40 ASE used SofTex artificial leather. It offered dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom, headroom, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space and comfort. The 4Runner's cargo area, without the third-row seat, offered a substantial 1,337 litres of space, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with 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 had excellent voice recognition but could interrupt audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons, making adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It used real knobs and buttons, making it user-friendly even with gloves. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with available upgrades like navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. Despite its dated graphics, the system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received high ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, though the lane-departure warning could be annoying. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. IIHS had not conducted a full set of tests on the 4Runner.