2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive designs of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences subtle unless compared side-by-side with older models. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires and vertical-bar grille, added some visual drama, and the GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of flair. However, the beige paint and 18-inch wheels of the test car made it blend into parking lots, despite its hefty price tag.

What truly set the GLC apart was its interior, which was among 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, and cold metal speaker covers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The major change for 2020 was the introduction of a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older, smaller displays. The new touchpad on the console and the updated steering wheel with more buttons enhanced the user experience. The optional 12.3-inch display could replace the analog gauges, adding to the modern feel of the cabin.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission combination and a choice between FWD and AWD. The test car, an SL trim with front-drive and additional packages, was priced at $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive, with a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added to its appeal.

Inside, the Rogue's age was more apparent. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms felt dated compared to modern designs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch. The back seat, however, was a highlight, offering excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, especially with the panoramic sunroof. Rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports added to the comfort, making it a preferred spot for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or 4Matic AWD, was reprogrammed for better performance, making the GLC 300 feel more responsive than previous models. However, the engine still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered phenomenal performance, while the AMG GLC 63 models with V8 engines provided even more power. Despite these options, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the driving experience. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, but real-world testing averaged just under 22 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. While the powertrain was adequate for everyday driving, it struggled during acceleration, passing, and climbing. The CVT did its best to make the most of the engine's power, but the Rogue's response was often more noise than action. Fuel economy was EPA-rated at 29 mpg combined for FWD versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was lackluster, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new users. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX infotainment system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC offered enough room for four adults, but the back seat's recline mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment. The back seat, however, was comfortable and spacious, with excellent thigh support and a great view. In-cabin storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments. The Divide-n-Hide cargo management system added to the Rogue's practicality.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system offered advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While some features were ahead of their time, they were not always well-integrated. The system could track user behavior and suggest destinations, show Yelp reviews, and provide limited self-driving capabilities. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and underbody shields for light off-roading.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services. While the features were impressive, the interface was dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and slow response times. Voice recognition was also subpar, detracting from the overall tech experience.

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 advanced safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.