2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the updated C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions anticipated 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. Its grille, roofline, and beltline remained similar to the first-generation GLC, which had been in production since 2016. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run, offering a timeless and classy aesthetic. The interior saw more significant updates, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with newer Mercedes models. The GLC's interior was noted for its excellent materials and solid construction, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, continued to be a familiar sight on the roads despite its massive size. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, particularly those in urban areas. However, it catered to a specific market needing ample cargo and passenger space, as well as towing capacity. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of features, with higher trims providing more luxurious options. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base trim, and the High Country trim offering premium leather options. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, though it included features like a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control. The seats were supportive but not as comfortable as expected for long journeys.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was available in the GLC 300 trim, 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 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. While it provided ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's powertrain. The brake pedal was noted to be a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a sportier ride.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The Duramax diesel engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with better fuel economy and no extra cost on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable, though drivers needed to be mindful of its weight and potential body roll. The Suburban's steering and brakes were effective, and the height-adjustable air suspension improved ride comfort and parking garage accessibility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options, featuring synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine leather. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The interior provided sufficient storage, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC offered ample space for front passengers, while rear seats accommodated average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC provided 620 litres of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and lowered rear headroom.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres with all rear seats down. This capacity surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for over 1,000 kilometres of highway driving between fill-ups. The Suburban was ideal for families needing extensive cargo and passenger space, especially for road trips and towing.

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 included a capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was sensitive and challenging to use. The system's voice recognition was excellent, though it interrupted audio playback. The infotainment system was more advanced but lacked physical buttons for easy adjustments. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with an 8-inch screen on the base LS trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google Built-in providing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store without phone pairing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system offered good fidelity but lacked the richness of higher speaker count systems available in competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models received high ratings. 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, with additional cross-traffic alerts.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver feature. Higher trims offered additional features like rear cross-traffic alert and Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system available on pre-mapped roads.