2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, a design language that Mercedes-Benz consistently applied across its portfolio. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, which emphasized its car-like characteristics. The cabin was equally impressive, featuring flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

Standard equipment on the GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Optional packages added features like navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, ambient lighting, and a Burmester premium sound system. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered more potent powertrains and additional performance upgrades.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued its modern and sporty design, especially with the aggressive styling that set it apart from competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The RX's exterior featured razor-sharp character lines and angular features, creating an eye-catching design. The F Sport trim added performance-oriented elements like 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and a unique front fascia. The interior maintained a luxury appeal with nearly a dozen color combinations and high-quality materials, although the center stack felt a bit dated.

The RX 350 and F Sport models offered seating for five, while the L trim provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and a high-quality feel, but the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable. The limited-edition Black Line trim added exclusive black-colored elements and contrast gray stitching for a premium look.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 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 steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The GLC's powertrain was generally responsive, with precise steering and confident handling. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 featured a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 horsepower.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors for a combined output of 308 horsepower. The RX 350 offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, while the hybrid RX came standard with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim added performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes did not significantly alter the driving experience. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a good companion for long drives.

The RX 350 returned an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, with slight variations for AWD and L models. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC provided ample storage options, including a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2022 Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered a tight squeeze for anything but groceries. The RX 350L featured a 2/3/2 seating configuration with optional second-row captain's chairs. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX's rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a dedicated smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver but still had ergonomic issues due to the cove design. The touchscreen was responsive, but the touchpad was frustrating to use. The RX offered voice commands, six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive, but could be deactivated.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional standard features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.