2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained a familiar design, 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 interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was equipped with numerous screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy vehicle that appealed to tech enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to its premium appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with Nappa leather and polished metallic trim. However, the ergonomics were not perfect, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90's interior felt upscale compared to other midsize three-row SUVs, offering a sophisticated look and feel.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing an impressive 416 horsepower. This was a significant increase from the previous generation's 385 hp twin-turbo V6. The GLC 43 featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The base GLC 300, with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, was less powerful but still competitive in its class. Both models came with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 offering a sportier AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. However, the performance suspension and rougher shifts made the GLC 43 less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain options, including a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine. The standard-output version delivered 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output variant produced 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). The CX-90 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. It offered various driving modes and a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that enhanced its sporty nature.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. The interior featured numerous buttons, especially in AMG models, and standard heated and memory front seats. The GLC SUV offered 620 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe had a tighter interior, with 545 litres of cargo volume, but its hatchback-like configuration allowed for 1,490 litres of space when the seats were down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in Signature trim, included Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin, but the seats were comfortable for long trips. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and the second-row captain's chairs offered elevated seating positions. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, and the long rear doors facilitated access. Cargo space was 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,129 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system. It included a responsive voice command system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system. Additional features included a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, and a "Transparent Hood" feature for off-road driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard had a traditional design, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a console knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google built-in system was expected in future models. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for its standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available for an additional cost.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for its PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature could be irritating.