2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Acura MDX

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$43,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$43,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$43,200

MSRP

$48,000

Listings

1007

Listings

649

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Premium interior materials

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews Summary

The modern compact luxury SUV market is an embarrassment of riches. Shoppers have more options than ever before, and all of them are terrific vehicles. There’s the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and even the newcomer Lincoln Corsair. Not to be left out of this dizzying list is one of the segment’s most popular options, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

While the X3 arguably kicked off the small luxury SUV craze, the bar was raised with the GLC’s predecessor, the GLK. But even the GLK felt like a stopgap compared to a fully realized vehicle like the GLC. It encapsulates everything that buyers are looking for in a compact luxury SUV—an upscale cabin, cutting-edge infotainment and safety technology, and driving dynamics that are equal parts athletic and comfortable. Many vehicles in the aforementioned list have some or all of these things, but few combine them all as elegantly as the GLC. Mercedes-Benz happily boasts the GLC is its best-seller, and with good reason. But should you count yourself among one of their customers? Read on to find out.

2022 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

26
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$43,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$43,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$43,200
$48,000
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.6

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Premium interior materials

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Summary

The modern compact luxury SUV market is an embarrassment of riches. Shoppers have more options than ever before, and all of them are terrific vehicles. There’s the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and even the newcomer Lincoln Corsair. Not to be left out of this dizzying list is one of the segment’s most popular options, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

While the X3 arguably kicked off the small luxury SUV craze, the bar was raised with the GLC’s predecessor, the GLK. But even the GLK felt like a stopgap compared to a fully realized vehicle like the GLC. It encapsulates everything that buyers are looking for in a compact luxury SUV—an upscale cabin, cutting-edge infotainment and safety technology, and driving dynamics that are equal parts athletic and comfortable. Many vehicles in the aforementioned list have some or all of these things, but few combine them all as elegantly as the GLC. Mercedes-Benz happily boasts the GLC is its best-seller, and with good reason. But should you count yourself among one of their customers? Read on to find out.

Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
22
19
MPG Highway
29
26
Look and feel

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

10/10

2022 Acura MDX

10/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class scores 8 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10 as well. The GLC-Class embodies a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, exuding modern aggression with LED headlights. In comparison, the MDX features a sportier and more assertive design with LED headlights and bigger wheels.
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Picture of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Performance

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

8/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2022 Acura MDX an 8 out of 10 for performance. The GLC-Class comes with a 2-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower, offering a refined and responsive driving experience. On the other hand, the MDX is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower, providing a smooth and powerful ride.
Form and function

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

7/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
The five-seater Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the seven-seater Acura MDX provides between 39.1 and 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded. The GLC-Class emphasizes interior quality with luxurious finishes and ample storage options, while the MDX prioritizes passenger comfort and flexibility with sliding second-row seats.
Technology

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

8/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Acura MDX score 8 out of 10 for technology, according to CarGurus experts. The GLC-Class features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with intuitive touch controls and smartphone integration. In comparison, the MDX offers premium audio systems, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an extensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies.
Safety

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

8/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
CarGurus rates the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2022 Acura MDX 8 out of 10 for safety. The GLC-Class includes standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, while the MDX comes standard with AcuraWatch, collision mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. Both models prioritize advanced safety technologies for enhanced protection.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is 8 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these close scores, we recommend choosing the 2022 Acura MDX if you need seven seats and a more flexible cargo capacity, or the GLC-Class if five seats and a more luxurious interior finish are your priorities.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is 8 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these close scores, we recommend choosing the 2022 Acura MDX if you need seven seats and a more flexible cargo capacity, or the GLC-Class if five seats and a more luxurious interior finish are your priorities.

CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Acura MDX2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volvo XC902023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Acura MDX2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.42023 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2024 Acura MDX2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2024 Acura MDX2023 Lexus GX vs 2024 Acura MDX2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Lexus GX2023 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Acura MDX2023 Lexus NX vs 2024 Acura MDX2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Bronco Sport2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Lexus NX2023 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Acura MDX2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Acura MDX2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Honda CR-V2022 Lexus GX vs 2023 Acura MDX2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Acura MDX2022 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Lincoln Aviator vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Acura MDX2022 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Acura MDX2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lexus NX2022 Honda Passport vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator2022 MINI Countryman vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Honda Passport vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2021 Buick Encore vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Audi Q32020 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Acura MDX2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lexus NX2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Honda Odyssey2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Toyota Sienna2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Acura MDX2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 MINI Countryman2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2020 Acura MDX2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Honda Passport2019 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Honda Passport vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2020 Acura MDX2019 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Acura MDX2019 Honda Odyssey vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2019 Honda Passport2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Lexus NX vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC2019 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Acura MDX2019 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Acura MDX2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2019 Audi Q3