2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained its familiar design, with subtle updates that included repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were redesigned, connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear end saw a reduction in chrome. The GLC Coupe maintained its distinctive fastback roof, while the interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra, such as hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver colour, appeared somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky dash layout, with physical controls for climate and volume. The Capstone trim featured 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 moonroof standard across the lineup.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission offered faster shifts, enhancing performance driving. However, the performance suspension and rougher shifts made it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, using the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor. It delivered 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, improving fuel economy to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered off-road capabilities with unique tires, suspension, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing upgrades.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. Front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 620 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,680 litres with folded rear seats. The GLC Coupe offered 545 litres, expanding to 1,490 litres, though tighter inside.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards and a maximum cargo space of 2,460 litres with folded second and third-row seats. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid battery, did not create a flat load floor. Headroom and legroom were slightly compromised, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. The Sequoia's interior space was generous, though it lagged behind some rivals in legroom.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering voice command functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with available navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system. Optional features included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included a 14-inch touchscreen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 12.3-inch driver information display. The Panoramic View monitor and a 10-inch head-up display were standard on higher trims. The 14-speaker JBL audio system was available on the Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with standard safety features including active brake assist, attention assist, and adaptive high beams. Pre-Safe, Mercedes' pre-collision system, was also standard. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems included adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist.