2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

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 end saw updates with a connecting trim piece across the taillights and a less chrome-heavy design. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roof, and the grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. 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.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity with a design focused on practicality. Despite attempts to add style with a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines, it remained unmistakably a minivan. The Sienna's interior was updated with a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Platinum package added features like ventilated leather seats and a refrigerated compartment, enhancing comfort and convenience. The Sienna's design prioritized functionality, offering ample seating and cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance. The GLC 43 outshone the base GLC 300, which offered 255 horsepower. Both models came with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. While the GLC 43 excelled in performance, its firmer suspension and rougher shifts made it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna relied on a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, delivering 245 horsepower. While this might seem modest for a vehicle seating up to eight, the electric motor's torque compensated for any sluggishness. The Sienna excelled in city driving and offered a quiet highway experience, though the CVT's noise was noticeable during hard acceleration. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Sienna's handling was secure but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and excellent impact isolation.

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, expandable to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered less cargo space, with 545 litres available, expanding to 1,490 litres when the seats were down.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, though the second-row seats couldn't be removed, limiting flexibility compared to rivals.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, known for its responsive voice commands. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. The GLC also offered advanced features like a head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering various connected services. The digital assistant responded well to voice commands, and the system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna Limited featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality varied. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera added convenience.

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, and adaptive high beams. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available for an additional cost.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, offering forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While the Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing safety for families. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received lower scores in frontal crash tests.