2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, a design language that Mercedes-Benz had 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, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The menacing LED headlights added a touch of modern aggression without the overly sharp lines seen in some competitors. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive work of art, featuring flowing dash lines and a floating center touchscreen with rounded edges. Mercedes-Benz was moving towards larger screens and a minimalist approach, but the GLC's interior design set a high bar for compact luxury SUV cabins.

The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles. The coupe's fastback profile, while sharp-looking, compromised cargo space. Standard equipment on the entry-level 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 more. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered more potent powertrains and performance upgrades.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued with a more mature look. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims added LED fog lamps. The Rogue's cabin had a layered dash with distinct horizontal layers, contrasting colors, and different surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The center console, with an electronic gear selector lever, offered ample storage space, including a tray beneath the console and a wireless charging pad. The 9-inch center infotainment display was positioned near the driver’s eye line, and upper trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats provided comfort, and the second row offered good legroom and space for two adults or three in a pinch. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came 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 with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. The four-cylinder turbo provided ample power, and the vehicle struck a balance between refined and responsive handling. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 engines, with the GLC63 S producing up to 503 horsepower.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine with three cylinders, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, adjusting the compression ratio for better performance or efficiency as needed. The Rogue's new engine improved its performance and fuel economy, achieving an EPA estimate of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel.

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 had a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable center cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with good legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue provided 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up, and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Rogue's front cabin had numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench.

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

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands for navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included 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 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added navigation integration for predictive speed control. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.