2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV was a blend of the new and the familiar. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the revamped C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models were carryovers from the previous year. The most noticeable change in the GLC 300 was its narrower taillights, though the overall design 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. Its styling was classy and substantive, avoiding novelty to maintain a timeless appeal. However, some felt that a bit more personality could have set the new GLC apart from its predecessor. The interior of the new GLC received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The materials quality and construction were excellent, and the cockpit design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three main trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, aimed at those interested in moderate off-roading. Chevrolet representatives emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-roading like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but it was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833 and the top-of-the-line RS model reaching $65,733. The Z71 model, which we tested, started at $56,833 and featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior of the Z71 was accented with "Torch Red" highlights, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable. The Traverse's design and features made it a strong contender in its class, competing with models like the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Grand Highlander.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was limited to the GLC 300 trim level in its first year, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard in Canada. The GLC 300's acceleration was smooth, 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 a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 300 offered a smoother ride than its rivals, with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering a sportier option with a firmer ride.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was standard on every trim in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system for better grip in slippery conditions. The Traverse's acceleration and passing power were more than acceptable for its size, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate, though the Traverse's length was noticeable in tight spaces. The ride was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes provided a safe and controlled stop, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates were 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment for comfort, with firm cushioning and well-shaped design for long-distance travel. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, and real leather was available for smoother surfaces. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The GLC provided sufficient storage with a large centre console bin, wireless charging pad, and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The front offered plenty of space for taller passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC had 620 litres of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items, and the GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres, with lower rear headroom.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, with the RS model featuring second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The third row was suitable for average-size adults, though taller passengers might need the second row to slide forward. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. The Autosense power liftgate, standard on all models, opened automatically when the key fob was within a metre of the rear. Cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded, ranking among class leaders. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was mostly positive, though the third row had limited views due to the rear fender design. The Z71 had a power-operated driver’s seat, but the front passenger's seat was manually adjustable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured a large 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The previous generation had a smaller screen mounted higher, with a trackpad for easier control. The new GLC retained a capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, but its sensitivity made it difficult to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The new system performed better overall but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display was configurable and helpful for navigation. The infotainment system ran on Google-based software, with intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Z71's wireless charging pad held phones securely during cornering. Chevrolet retained physical controls for volume and HVAC functions, though the driving mode button was less prominent. Headlight functions were integrated into the infotainment system, which some found inconvenient. The Traverse offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 1.2 million kilometres of roads by 2025. Super Cruise could be activated on pre-mapped single-lane roadways, though it disengaged at intersections.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its predecessor received top scores and was named a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, and driver attention monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane change assist, and emergency stop assist. Other options included a surround-view camera system, traffic sign assist, head-up display, and upgraded headlights. The Coupe had cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard, with an identical Intelligent Drive package.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it offered a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These features provided peace of mind during our drive.