2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but the overall look remained consistent with its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece, giving the rear a refreshed appearance. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive sloping profile, with a fastback roof that barely extended to form a trunk. The interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment, complemented by an array of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a more rugged design compared to the CX-5. It was lower, wider, and longer, with a stretched wheelbase, emphasizing its broad-shouldered proportions. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, with the Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires and a black hood graphic. The interior was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by the standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats in base models.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable but overshadowed by the GLC 43's performance. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional 4Matic AWD, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with AWD. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo version produced 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard across all models, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was well-mannered and suitable for daily driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe was tighter, with 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, increasing to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, although the cargo space was not class-leading.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, the power liftgate improved access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. However, the cargo area was not ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was challenging for shorter individuals to use.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It included a responsive voice command system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An Advanced USB package was available, increasing the number of USB-C ports from three to six.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction. However, the infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available through the Driver Assistance Package.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" score for front-crash prevention in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian test. However, it scored "Basic" in the nighttime test, and the standard headlights were rated "Average." Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.