2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

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. The most noticeable change in the GLC 300 was its narrower taillights, though its overall design remained similar to the first-generation model from 2016. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production. Its styling was classy and substantive, avoiding novelty to maintain a timeless appeal. 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's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models. It was notably larger than its competitors, with a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, offering a spacious interior. The Grand Highlander's design was more conservative and blockier, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. It was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with varying levels of luxury and comfort. The interior featured black Softex synthetic leather on the XLE trim, with real leather available on higher trims. The Grand Highlander excelled as a comfortable and well-built road-trip vehicle, with impressive material quality and seamless construction.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. 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 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.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options. The base 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine produced 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain combined a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All powertrains came with all-wheel drive in Canada. The Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration, with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was larger and less manoeuvrable than the smaller Highlander, with some body roll and numb steering feel. However, its brakes were solid, and the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine provided adequate power. Three drive modes were available, with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

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 a smoother feel. 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 space, though the piano black lid of the centre console attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats offered good legroom, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 620 litres, 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 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, with a length of over 5 metres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. It offered a spacious interior with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride. With the second-row seats up, it provided 1,640 litres of space, and 583 litres with all three rows in use. The Grand Highlander was comfortable, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row. Its large greenhouse offered good visibility, and even the third row could accommodate a six-foot adult comfortably.

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, making adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Toyota interfaces. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, allowing voice commands for various tasks. The subscription also included cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, offering good sound quality. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available, with a three-month trial included.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its predecessor 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 Coupe offered additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested either, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum grade offered traffic jam assist and a head-up display. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with four following-distance settings.