2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2026 Hyundai Venue

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a visual delight, adhering closely to the brand's contemporary design ethos. Its taut lines and muscular shape flowed elegantly from the signature Mercedes star pattern grille and standard LED headlights. The taller, upright cabin and short overhangs suggested a multi-terrain capability, particularly in models without the AMG Line's painted wheel arch liners. The crisp headlights and detailed tail lights ensured the GLC's aesthetic appeal would remain fresh for years. The optional 20-inch AMG five-spoke wheels further enhanced its athletic stance. Inside, the GLC exuded luxury with beautifully designed, contrasting-leather-adorned interior door panels. The premium materials continued throughout, with the GLC 350e PHEV test unit featuring supple white leather seats with heating and ventilation options. The haptic steering wheel and climate controls, though made of piano black plastic, were nicely contrasted by faux carbon fibre, satin-stitched leather, and painted aluminum trim accents.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue, classified as a crossover SUV, resembled a tall hatchback more than a traditional SUV. Its design leaned more towards a crossover, with a small and narrow appearance reminiscent of European runabouts. The upright windshield and SUV cues like the bluff nose and available roof rails contributed to its SUV-like look. The Venue's high nose, lower headlights, and high-set daytime running lights, along with the satin metallic lower fascia, defined its front. Black wheel flares around small wheels and a two-tone roof option added flair. Inside, the Venue's design was simple and functional, with a digital instrument cluster and a small touchscreen that resembled an iPad on the dash. Body-colour trim around the air vents and shifter brought some exterior elements inside.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system in Canada. It featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 300 produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the 350e's output was slightly lower at 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. The GLC 300's 48-volt mild-hybrid system added 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time. The 350e's hybrid system, with a 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery and electric motor, delivered a combined 313 hp and 406 lb-ft, though it had a slower 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time due to its extra weight. The GLC excelled in ride quality, steering, and handling, absorbing road imperfections well and maintaining composure on highways and winding roads. Its braking performance was adequate, with regenerative braking intensity adjustable via steering wheel paddles. The 350e's 87-kilometre electric range was impressive, and its hybrid mode prioritized electricity over internal combustion.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. The power was delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels. The Venue's 0-100 km/h time ranged from 8.5 to 8.8 seconds, aided by its lightweight 1,251-kilogram frame. While peppy in city traffic, the Venue struggled at highway speeds, with the CVT slow to downshift for more power. The transmission's stepped gear ratios felt slurred, and heavy throttle caused engine droning due to limited sound deadening. Handling benefited from the Venue's small size and low weight, making it easy to maneuver in traffic and fit into tight parking spots. The ride was generally comfortable, though the solid rear axle made it jiggly on rough roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered good hip, shoulder, and legroom up front, even for taller drivers, though the back seats were tighter on leg and headroom. The front seats' clever design allowed for more rear legroom, though not enough for passengers to stretch out. The GLC's boxy shape provided 470 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,530 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite being lower than some competitors, the GLC's cargo area was practical, fitting an XL-sized road bike without removing wheels. The GLC 350e averaged 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in fuel economy, with the 350e's hybrid mode offering an estimated 10.2 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 9.4 combined. The mild-hybrid 300 returned 10.0 L/100 km city, 7.6 highway, and 8.9 combined.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue's cloth and synthetic leather seats offered decent comfort with six-way manual adjustments. Front seat heating was standard, though legroom was limited for taller occupants. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, but taller passengers would struggle for legroom. The rear seat folded flat in a 60/40 split, providing 528 litres of cargo space, expandable to 902 litres. The Venue's cargo capacity was modest compared to typical compact crossovers, with the rear cargo floor lifting to access a compact spare tire. The Venue's interior featured hard black plastic with limited soft-touch surfaces, indicating cost-cutting measures.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with haptic controls and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. The haptic controls required some adjustment, with swipe intensity affecting screen navigation and volume control. The touchscreen response was occasionally sluggish, leading to confusion. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connected seamlessly, with Android Auto also standard. The screen resolution was good, and the ambient lighting customization added to the driving experience. The Burmester 3D surround sound system in the Pinnacle Trim was top-notch.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue came with an 8-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment features. While small by modern standards, it was functional, with large icons and quick response. It lacked navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The digital instrument cluster displayed limited information, and a wireless charging pad was included in Canada. The audio system was a simple six-speaker unit, with no premium option available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, active parking assistance, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and active braking assistance. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, steering assist, lane-change assist, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, evasive maneuvering, and speed limit assist. These systems worked smoothly, with adaptive cruise control and steering assist making stop-and-go traffic more manageable.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, though adaptive cruise control was unavailable. The Venue's safety systems performed well, though the driver attention monitor was overly sensitive. The Venue received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with the IIHS providing a "Good" score in the small front overlap test. Headlight ratings varied by trim level.