2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

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 trim piece connecting the taillights and a less chrome-heavy bumper. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roof, and the AMG models featured a unique grille design. Inside, the GLC boasted a luxurious interior with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash, complemented by an array of screens and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy yet sumptuous space.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the U.S.-only 1794 Edition, showcased a rugged exterior with dark grey 20-inch wheels and minimal chrome. In Canada, the Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $87,174 to $106,175. The Lunar Rock paint on the test vehicle drew attention, despite the Sequoia's established presence. Inside, the cabin featured Toyota-grade plastic, which detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Sequoia's interior was practical but lacked the premium touch found in some competitors.

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. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance. The GLC 300, in contrast, offered 255 horsepower, which, while respectable, paled in comparison to the GLC 43. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 utilizing the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for quicker shifts. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering contributed to the GLC's sporty nature, though the ride was firmer than some might prefer for daily driving.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight of 2,790 kilograms, the Sequoia offered robust acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in testing. The Sequoia excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 4,137 kilograms, but its solid rear axle and battery placement compromised interior space and ride quality. The steering was light, and the brakes lacked initial bite, affecting overall driving dynamics.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. The interior featured standard heated and memory front seats, 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 space, with 545 litres available, increasing to 1,490 litres when the seats were down. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, though the Coupe's cargo capacity was limited compared to some sedans.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals. The Platinum and Capstone trims offered 10-way power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Access to the rear seats was facilitated by long doors, though they posed challenges in tight spaces. The third row's high floor and low roof made entry awkward, and cargo space was limited to 325 litres with all seats in use. Folding the third row increased capacity to 1,387 litres, with a maximum of 2,460 litres available with both rear rows down, though this was less than some rivals.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, known for its effective voice command capabilities. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system. The GLC also offered advanced features like a head-up display and augmented reality navigation, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Limited trim onwards. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered various connected services, though many required subscriptions. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided connectivity, while a 14-speaker JBL sound system was available on higher trims. The system's voice recognition was capable but had limitations, and the lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience.

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

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. While the safety tech was comprehensive, the lane assist features could be intrusive. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.