2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a refreshed front fascia featuring a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive design cues of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights incorporated 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 flair, but overall, the GLC's design didn't stand out. The beige paint and 18-inch wheels of the test car made it blend into parking lots, despite its over $60,000 price tag.

What 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 three circular air vents, padded and stitched leather seats and doors, and cold metal stereo speaker covers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 7- and 8.4-inch displays. The console's knob/touchpad combo was replaced by a thin touchpad, and the steering wheel featured more buttons and a thicker, softer feel. A 12.3-inch display could replace the analog gauges in the instrument cluster. The shiny buttons for various functions were replaced by a blank plate, simplifying the design.

The 2020 Lexus RX received 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 models, and two new paint colors, Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, were introduced. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, bumpers, grille, badges, front seats, meter, aluminum ornamentation, and 20-inch wheels. Additional features included front and rear performance dampers, power-folding mirrors with memory, LED ambient lighting, stainless steel rear door garnishes, steering and seat memory, and scuff plates. The leather-wrapped surfaces felt premium and durable, suitable for family life. However, the center stack's design was aging, with functional but dated climate controls.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 300 offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), with the Coupe version standard with 4Matic. The reprogrammed transmission and new engine improved performance, but the engine still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, arriving in late 2019, boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering impressive performance. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe and AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe offered even more power with their twin-turbo V8 engines. However, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower ratings.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly lower power output. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL had a similar setup but with lower power output from the gasoline engine. The hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and additional electric motors for AWD variants. The RX's performance was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy for the RX 350 was 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD achieved 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements, but the RX struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

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 seat controls were located on the doors. The MBUX system offered a touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad for controlling various functions, with customizable home screen designs. 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 rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. 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 good visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system offered advanced features like augmented reality for navigation, cloud-based voice assistant, and AI-based suggestions. The system could display Yelp reviews, steer and brake on the highway, and integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-C ports were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes for rough terrain.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was improved but still challenging to navigate. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate the system's shortcomings. The center console touchpad was more responsive, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available. A CD player was also standard.

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 RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New features for 2020 included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.