2021 Lexus GX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a refreshed 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 luxurious, with wood cascading down from the air vents, and rich leather padding and stitching on the seats and doors. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The 2020 model introduced 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 analog gauges, adding to the modern feel of the cabin.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn't see any styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look.

However, the interior of the GX felt dated and lacked the refinement expected in a modern luxury SUV. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior quality didn't match the expectations for a luxury vehicle. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made the driving experience feel like piloting a bus. The center-console storage and cupholders were small, and the third row was cramped and difficult to access.

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 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, 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 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, offered phenomenal performance. The AMG GLC 63 models, with their twin-turbo V8 engines, provided even more power, but 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.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460's V8 provided ample power for moving away from a stop, but its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers feel sluggish. The braking required careful planning, and the ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it wasn't very good. The GX's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and multi-view camera system. The GX 460 had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new Mercedes drivers. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive 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 rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. The center-console storage and cupholders were small, and the third row was cramped and difficult to access. The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, but the third row was best reserved for children. Cargo space with the second and third rows folded was 64.7 cubic feet, less than the Land Rover Discovery's 73.0 cubic feet. With the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system featured advanced technology, including augmented reality for navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could track behavior and suggest destinations, show Yelp reviews, and provide semi-autonomous driving features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and underbody shields.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, the GX included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface.

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 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, but the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models.