2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a good-looking crossover SUV, though its styling was neither groundbreaking nor breathtaking. It didn't attract much attention in parking lots or from valets at country clubs, but it didn't shame its driver either. It simply fit in, which was sometimes good enough. Acura's early adoption of LED headlights, particularly the Jewel Eye headlights, added both function and a rich look to the front of the vehicle. The MDX's sleek and low-slung design, with chiseled details and a fast roofline, was complemented by flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the modern and simple look was highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality level of material selection, making the MDX feel solid and well-built.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, on the other hand, embraced a more timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, while still embodying modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, almost like a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing dash lines and a floating center touchscreen with rounded edges. Mercedes-Benz's move towards larger screens and a minimalist approach was evident, and the GLC's interior aesthetic set the bar for other compact luxury SUV cabins. The GLC was offered in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid used a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a pleasant companion for long drives.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or available 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with multiple drive modes. Even in Comfort mode, the turbocharged engine provided ample power, though there was occasional lag when pulling away from a stop. The steering feel was soft but precise, and the GLC executed higher-speed turns with confidence. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 featured a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 horsepower, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2020 Acura MDX, a three-row SUV, offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row and adjustable legroom. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a flexible center console, multiple storage options, and tri-zone climate control, making it a practical and stylish alternative to minivans for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC's interior made good use of space with a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline cut into headroom. Overall, the GLC offered a well-utilized interior space, though the SUV version was more practical than the Coupe.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech like a surround-view camera system and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. The GLC's infotainment system was intuitive and seamless once acclimated, though switching between the radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX's body structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also had front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, and lane departure warning. The parking sensors were overly sensitive, but could be deactivated if desired.