2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Lexus RX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, embodying modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, resembling a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. The interior was an automotive work of art, with soft lines and curves carried into the flowing dash and a floating center touchscreen with rounded edges. Mercedes was moving towards larger screens and a minimalist approach, but the GLC's interior design set a high bar for compact luxury SUV cabins. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter offering a sharp look at the cost of usable space. Standard equipment on the GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats, among other features.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly lower power figures at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for a total of 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD was the most fuel-efficient model at 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements, providing a smooth and connected driving experience.

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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC offered rear-wheel drive or available 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. The AMG GLC 43 added a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 and 63 S models featured a twin-turbo V8 with 469 and 503 horsepower, respectively. The GLC provided a refined and responsive driving experience, with precise turn-in and confident high-speed turns. The AMG models offered sports car-like performance, with the GLC 63 S being particularly powerful.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe had reduced cargo space at 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC's cargo space was mid-pack for compact luxury SUVs, with the BMW X3 offering more. The GLC had a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable center cupholders. The rear-seat space was adequate without needing to slide the seats forward, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom. Overall, the GLC made good use of its interior space.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured an infotainment system that was often criticized but improved for 2020 with a touchscreen moved closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay integration helped mitigate issues. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, and other app compatibility. The center console touchpad system was more responsive, and the RX had six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, a touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with both the touchscreen and touch controller offering similar menu navigation. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the main infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. Overall, the MBUX system was highly regarded.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the 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, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The parking sensors were overly sensitive but could be deactivated.