2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained a familiar design, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with changes like repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were notably different, connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear design was updated with less chrome and a more pronounced trunk. The GLC Coupe maintained its steeply sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback, with a distinctive grille setting it apart from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC was luxurious, with a two-tone leather interior and a wood-and-metal dash. It was packed with technology, including screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy vehicle.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these features, its design was unremarkable, with a large grille and a dramatic rear haunch. The RX lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the powerful RX 500h, and the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+. All models featured standard AWD in Canada, with various packages available. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant, and the RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior look.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, using a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission provided faster shifts, suitable for performance driving, but resulted in rougher shifts. The performance suspension was improved but still firm, making it less ideal for daily commuting. Enthusiasts appreciated the sporty nature, aided by standard four-wheel steering.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models, with the RX 350h being the least powerful at 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ PHEV had a total system output of 304 hp, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. It had a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Direct4 AWD. The RX 500h's drivetrain was powerful but not fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. It was quiet on highways but firm on city streets, with the adaptive suspension producing unnatural sensations. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. The AMG models had additional controls on the steering wheel. Standard features included heated and memory front seats, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 620 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe had 545 litres of cargo volume, expanding to 1,490 litres. The Coupe's hatchback-like configuration allowed for more space when needed.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug with enhanced bolstering, but the bottom cushions were uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats were comfortable, with ample room for adults. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage space under the load floor. Folding down the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, known for its responsive voice command system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system. Additional options included a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, and USB-C ports.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h had a 14-inch touchscreen display with a conversational digital voice assistant. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with access to cloud-based navigation. The RX Interface technology worked well, but the steering wheel controls were distracting. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the steering wheel controls were not user-friendly.

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, and adaptive braking technology. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a crash by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. Advanced driver-assistance systems were optional.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but received a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection.