2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a generational redesign, maintaining a familiar aesthetic to appease its loyal North American fanbase. The exterior changes were subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, while the headlights adopted a more aggressive look. The rear design saw updates with a connecting trim piece across the taillights and a less chrome-heavy appearance. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback profile, and the AMG models featured a unique grille design. Inside, the GLC boasted a luxurious interior with two-tone leather upholstery and a plethora of screens and controls, emphasizing Mercedes' commitment to gadgetry and opulence.

In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions with a blunt nose and a tapered roofline. The styling was more akin to a sports wagon, though the 2025 updates made it appear less elegant. The interior exuded a classic architectural sensibility, focusing less on screens and more on traditional luxury. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob was a letdown, but the Phone as a Key technology offered a modern alternative. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with our test vehicle featuring the Reserve trim and several option packages, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. This engine was complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, while the base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower. Both models featured 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 utilizing the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering enhanced the GLC's sporty nature, though it might not be ideal for daily commuting due to its firmer ride.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with an optional adaptive air suspension for improved handling. Despite its power, the Aviator prioritized comfort over excitement, with a focus on a smooth and quiet ride. The fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km, though our test observed 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator excelled in providing clear sightlines and a pleasant ride, though the large wheels and tires contributed to road noise on highways.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a driver-focused cabin layout, with controls angled towards the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. Cargo space in the GLC SUV was 620 litres, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered less cargo space, with 545 litres available, but its hatchback-like configuration allowed for 1,490 litres when the seats were down.

In the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, the Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator offered excellent storage solutions, including a smartphone charging pad and deep door pockets. Cargo space was generous, with 466 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum capacity of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit was dominated by an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, known for its responsive voice commands. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Additional features like a head-up display and augmented reality navigation were available.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice commands in our test vehicle. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the head-up display provided comprehensive data.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with standard safety features including active brake assist, attention assist, and Pre-Safe. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available for an additional cost.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.