2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, came with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, totaling $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a mix of new and old. The GLC 300 was redesigned, while the Coupe models were carryovers from the previous year. The most noticeable change in the GLC 300 was the new, narrower taillights, but it still resembled the first-generation GLC from 2016. The GLC's design remained classy and timeless, though it lacked a bit of personality. The interior received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials quality and construction were excellent, and the cockpit design was simpler and cleaner compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX. The GLC Coupe retained its older design but still offered some usability advantages over the new model.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided quick acceleration and an enjoyable driving experience, though heavy-footed drivers would find it challenging to achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. Our test averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX came with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter cabin and enjoyable driving dynamics made it a compelling choice, though it didn't quite match the performance of German rivals like the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. The brake pedal effort was a bit soft, but the brakes were effective and easy to modulate. The suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, but the GLC still cornered confidently. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The AMG model offered sportier handling and a firmer ride, appealing to performance enthusiasts.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system control pad being unconventional. The A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and PMC Edition had metallic gauge faces with red markings that were hard to read in low light. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, was less comfortable, lacking support and a natural backrest angle. The RDX had a standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment and long-distance comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that looked and felt substantial. Real leather was available for a smoother surface. The GLC had a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The door pockets and center armrest bin provided additional storage. The front seats had plenty of space for taller passengers, while the rear seats could accommodate average adults, though headroom was limited for taller occupants. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller on the center console. The touchpad corresponded to the screen, requiring users to match finger location on the pad with the cursor location on the screen. This system was more complicated and distracting than a traditional touchscreen. However, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's new interior layout featured a large 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The previous generation had a smaller screen mounted higher on the dash with a trackpad on the center console for easier control. The new GLC retained a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was frustratingly sensitive. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition but interrupted audio playback. The new system performed better overall but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though ratings for the 2022 model were not yet available. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some rivals. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available from the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous GLC received top scores and was named a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features for the new GLC 300 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. Other options included a surround-view camera system and upgraded headlights. The GLC Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera, with an identical Driver Assistance package to the new GLC. False alarms were rare, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth and trustworthy.