2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. Its traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct identity, setting it apart from its pickup truck sibling. Inside, the Sequoia shared much with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, but some materials reminded drivers of its pickup origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $79,335 for the TRD Off-road and reaching $95,335 for the Capstone.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, particularly the GLC 300, was a mix of new and familiar elements. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, it retained a similar look to its predecessor, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable change. The interior received a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and high-quality materials. The GLC Coupe models, however, carried over from the previous year. The GLC maintained its reputation for timeless design, offering a luxurious experience with a focus on comfort and quality.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, and it offered improved fuel efficiency, rated at 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD. The SUV provided various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured 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. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 100 km/h in about 6.2 seconds. The suspension prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride, while the brake pedal felt soft but effective. The GLC Coupe models retained their older engines, with the AMG GLC 43 Coupe delivering a sportier performance with 385 horsepower. The GLC 300's cabin was nearly silent, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats and a premium audio system. The interior featured a triple-zone climate control system and power-deploying running boards. However, the third-row seating was less comfortable due to the high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in place, expandable to 2,460 litres with seats folded. The hybrid powertrain impacted overall utility, reducing cargo capacity compared to previous models.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. The interior offered practical storage solutions, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC's cargo space was 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and affected rear headroom. The rear seats folded flat, enhancing versatility for larger items.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with Bluetooth pairing. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and responsive controls. 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. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash-test results were unavailable, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high safety ratings.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered a range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera. While crash-test results were pending, the GLC's history suggested strong safety performance.