2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a stylish and sporty appearance without excessive performance design cues. Its design was subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on acceleration and handling. Acura avoided giving the RDX an off-road look, focusing instead on its suitability for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, with a starting price of $38,200, escalating to $47,625 with additional packages and options. Inside, the A-Spec offered a sporty ambiance with features like sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique red ambient lighting, although the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, maintaining a modern aggression with its LED headlights. The GLC's design was more about elegance than aggression, with a long hood and wide grille giving it a dramatic stance reminiscent of a raised sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was a masterpiece of automotive design, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and coupe body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, with options for enhanced luxury and technology.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option for Acura's SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing power to the rear wheels. The RDX offered driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its sporty feel. Despite some body motion on uneven roads, the RDX was enjoyable to drive, with precise steering and effective brakes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, providing a balance of refinement and responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered significantly higher horsepower with twin-turbocharged engines, delivering sports car-like performance.

The Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, while the rear seats compromised some comfort for utility. Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with them folded. The RDX also featured additional storage compartments for organization.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's design reduced these figures slightly. The GLC's interior was well-utilized, with ample storage options and decent rear-seat space, although the Coupe's roofline limited headroom. The SUV version offered better overall space and comfort.

The Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touchpad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen for intuitive control, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system, but the TTI system was not ideal for all users.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with options for both touchscreen and controller use. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although switching between radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. Overall, the MBUX system was user-friendly and effective.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade. The RDX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings in frontal-impact and rollover tests.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included parking sensors and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and dynamic cruise control. The parking sensors were sensitive, but overall, the GLC offered comprehensive safety technology.