2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a refreshed front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive design cues of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights featured square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences from previous models subtle unless compared side-by-side. While the GLC's proportions were fine, the mass-market GLC 300 lacked visual drama, making alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX more appealing. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual excitement. The GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of entertainment to the design. Despite its high price tag, the GLC's beige paint and 18-inch wheels made it blend into parking lots.

What truly set the GLC apart was its interior, considered one of the best in the business. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was rich and luxurious, featuring a continuous sweep of wood from the air vents, padded and stitched leather seats and doors, and cold metal speaker covers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older 7- and 8.4-inch displays, and a new touchpad on the console. The steering wheel, identical to the one in the E-Class, had more buttons and felt thicker and softer. A 12.3-inch display could replace the analog gauges, and the previously aligned shiny buttons for various functions were replaced by a blank plate.

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, received some design tweaks, including the hourglass grille seen across the Lexus lineup. The GX wore this grille better than the larger LX. Although the front end and headlights were updated, the GX remained a decade-old vehicle, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner. This rugged capability allowed the GX to continue without significant innovation, appealing to those who valued its off-road prowess.

Inside, the GX's age was evident. The cabin retained the large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. While this interior might not suit a new Lexus RX, it worked for the GX's rugged nature. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim included features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and a power sunroof. The Premium trim added rain-sensing wipers, 3-zone climate control, and navigation, while the Luxury trim offered premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and self-leveling air suspension. The rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, was available on the Luxury trim.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), was reprogrammed for better performance. The GLC 300 felt more responsive than previous models, holding gears longer and downshifting earlier. However, it still fell short compared to engines in the BMW X3 or Honda Accord. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, offered phenomenal performance. The AMG GLC 63 and 63 S models, with their twin-turbo V8 engines, provided even more power, but the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing. The GLC 300's fuel economy was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower ratings.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 offered a swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, was direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride, and the GX excelled in off-road conditions. The GX's 4WD system, combined with various chassis controls, made it highly capable off-road. The GX could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new Mercedes drivers. The column shifter required an upward tap for Reverse and a downward tap for Drive, while the seat controls were on the doors. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became second nature with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than the BMW X3.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Discovery. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality for navigation, using a windshield-mounted camera to overlay directional arrows and street names. The system also used a cloud-based voice assistant for various tasks and could track user behavior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and underbody shields, though the GLC was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated but had its perks. The true touchscreen, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, was simpler than modern Lexus systems. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant tradeoff for some drivers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's great visibility, with large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.