2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV was a blend of the familiar and the new. 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 the 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 run. 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 Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout and physical dials for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across all trims. The Sequoia's design was functional, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

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. While it offered ample 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. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, delivering 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. In Canada, the Sequoia came with standard 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. 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 standard GLC had 620 litres of cargo space, which was 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 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards on the Capstone and Platinum trims, aiding entry for shorter individuals. The Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. However, the seats were flat and lacked bolstering, impacting passenger comfort during travel.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior was dominated by 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 GLC included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim featured a 14-inch centre touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashy design. The Sequoia included a full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display and a Panoramic View monitor on higher trims. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on the Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on select trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but its predecessor received high scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, offering features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were standard, along with blind-spot monitoring. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.