2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class maintained a signature design language that screamed Mercedes through and through. The GLC received a freshened front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, emulating the aggressive stance seen in models like the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights featured new square LEDs within the same housing, making it difficult to notice changes unless compared directly with a 2016-2019 model. From a head-on perspective, the GLC wasn’t unattractive, but from other angles, it could appear quite mundane. The visual drama in the mass-market GLC 300 model was noticeably lacking, inviting comparisons to more visually appealing alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. The AMG versions, with their vertical-bar grille, wide tires, and lower stance, added some spice to the design. The GLC Coupe’s fastback roof offered some aesthetic allure, even if not true beauty. Interestingly, the GLC didn’t seem designed to turn neighbors green with envy, especially with bland colors and 18-inch wheels. Even with a price tag exceeding $60,000, it was easy to lose it in a parking lot.

What set the GLC apart was its stately interior, earning accolades for elegance and luxury. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood presented a luxurious feel. The seamless flow of wood from the circular air vents, the high-quality padding, and the stitched leather on the seats and doors enhanced the premium experience. The metal covers on the stereo speakers added to the rich feel. The 2020 model introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 7- and 8.4-inch displays, along with a compact touchpad replacing the former knob/touchpad combo. The redesigned steering wheel felt thicker and softer, featuring more buttons, including two thumb pads. A 12.3-inch display could substitute for analog gauges in the instrument cluster. The shiny buttons for various functions above the headlight switch were replaced by a blank plate, simplifying the setup.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome, rugged design. With dark gray plastic cladding shielding its lower perimeter and bold skid plates adorning the bumpers, the Rogue certainly looked more SUV than car. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned dimensions lent the Rogue a modern aesthetic across all trims. Optional two-tone paint with a black roof added a custom look. Available in four versions—S, SV, SL, and the new Platinum—the Rogue targeted a wide range of customers with escalating luxury features. The base Rogue S started at $25,650, escalating up to the Platinum at $35,430, which featured semi-aniline quilted leather among other upscale amenities.

The interior of the Rogue impressed with its Almond-colored leather and panoramic glass sunroof. The enhanced roominess combined with abundant soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars exuded quality. Nissan arranged the controls in a clean, logical manner. The Platinum trim’s quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting offered even greater luxury. Notably, the climate control panel had numbers reminiscent of an ’80s digital clock. Despite the presence of a CD player, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay indicated contemporary technological integration.

The 2020 GLC 300 came equipped with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission routed power to either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), with the GLC 300 Coupe featuring standard 4Matic. The reprogrammed transmission allowed the GLC 300 to hold gears longer and downshift earlier, keeping the engine’s power readily accessible—marking a notable improvement over previous models. However, it still lagged behind competitors like the BMW X3. The 2020 AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance with a sporty exhaust note. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe’s V8 delivered 469 hp, with the S version boosting it to 503 hp.

Handling was a mixed bag. While AMG versions offered excellent performance, the popular GLC 300 disappointed with body roll and vague steering. A weak suspension hurt directional stability and overall driving confidence. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue’s performance centered around its direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, the Rogue’s performance was considered adequate for daily driving, though more power was desired. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) managed the available torque decently, and programmed ratios helped mimic the feel of a traditional automatic. For adventurous drives, the Rogue offered AWD, up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes. Sport mode provided a more responsive feel, while Eco mode focused on efficiency.

Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Rogue SL was measured at 27.5 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating. Though not yet confirmed, speculation about a future turbocharged engine pointed to potential performance enhancements. Despite current power limitations, Nissan fine-tuned the Rogue’s ride and handling, resulting in a smooth and athletic drive. With the electric assist moved from the steering column to the steering rack and a quickened ratio, response improved significantly. Features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control added satisfaction to the driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class featured a blend of digital and physical controls. The column shifter, a nod to older designs, required a tap for gear changes. Seat controls mounted on the doors, rather than lower sides, added convenience. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system utilized a touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad interface that became intuitive with use. The MBUX system allowed significant customization, from reskinning the home screen to replacing the tachometer with diverse layouts, cementing its status as a must-have feature.

While the GLC accommodated four adults comfortably, it wasn’t overly spacious. The backseat’s unique yet cumbersome folding mechanism made adjustments discouraging. Cargo space measured 19 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expanded to 57 cubic feet when folded—definitely less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue improved on the previous generation with its comfortable Zero Gravity seat designs, now roomier and more supportive. The S trim featured cloth wraps and manual adjustments, escalating to leather and heated options in higher trims. The Platinum trim offered premium leather. Despite lacking ventilated seats, the Rogue provided climate control systems with varying zones and rear air conditioning vents across trims. Rear-seat headroom and legroom increased over the previous model, and nearly 90-degree opening rear doors eased passenger loading. The ability to fit three child safety seats and a rear-seat reminder system enhanced practicality.

Nissan worked to reduce interior noise through aerodynamic tweaks and improved sound insulation. The electronic shifter freed up space below the center console, and generous door-panel pockets could hold large water bottles. Power rear liftgates were available on higher trims, revealing 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the Rogue S and SV, and up to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. Maximum cargo capacity reached 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded, making it one of the most spacious vehicles in its class.

The GLC’s MBUX system stood out with advanced features like augmented reality navigation that displayed directional arrows and overlays on a live feed of the road ahead. The system could also switch to a live feed at red lights, adding a futuristic touch. The cloud-based voice assistant could look up addresses and perform AI-based tasks, enhancing the driving experience. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports, with optional wireless charging.

An Off-Road Engineering Package offered hill-descent control and additional driving modes, though the GLC wasn’t intended for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Rogue boasted a competitive infotainment package, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and smartphone integration. Higher trims added features like NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim included a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation with real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Bose premium audio. The voice recognition system and audio quality were commendable.

The Platinum trim offered additional tech like wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display, elevating the Rogue’s technological appeal.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Exit Warning Assist, Pre-Safe Sound, and Predictive Brake Priming, showcasing advanced engineering designed to protect occupants.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Rogue emphasized safety with the Safety Shield 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Adaptive cruise control with ProPilot Assist was standard from SV trim upwards, with upgraded versions offering Navi-link technology for enhanced driving assistance.