2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco emerged with an irresistible retro styling, coupled with a go-anywhere attitude. Its design drew heavily from its roots, maintaining a distinct ruggedness that stood out in the automotive market. The Bronco boasted a broad lineup, including two new premium trims: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades was tailored for swamp trekking and deep water fording, outfitted with an intake snorkel, Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's versatile offerings encompassed seven trims, each amplifying off-road prowess in line with price increments. It was no surprise that the 2022 models sold out quickly.

Customization reigned supreme in the Bronco, allowing consumers to choose between two-door or four-door configurations and a range of engine choices. Its utilitarian exterior was accentuated with practical elements like large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare tire mounted on the tailgate. On the inside, the Bronco continued its no-nonsense theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, drain plugs, and a host of toggles and buttons for off-road functions, including G.O.A.T. mode.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was split between a redesigned standard GLC 300 and carryover Coupe models awaiting an expected update for the 2024 model year. The new GLC 300 featured subtle changes like narrower taillights, maintaining its unmistakable classy demeanor, akin to its predecessors. The interior saw a significant upgrade, aligning with newer Mercedes models, highlighted by a large vertical infotainment screen and a tablet-like instrument panel. This blend of sophistication and simplicity set it apart from competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Although the returning Coupe models hadn't changed much, their sleek, sloping roofline provided a distinctive silhouette, while the first-generation interior retained superior usability. The 2023 GLC-Class carried forward its legacy, evolving without deviating from its established luxury and timeless design.

Under the hood, the 2022 Ford Bronco offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic transmission was standard for the V6 and optional for the four-cylinder. The manual gearbox included a special crawl gear for low-speed, high-torque off-road conditions. True to its mission, the Bronco came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case as standard.

The Bronco's strength shone across various trims, from the base model to the robust Wildtrak and Everglades, showcasing its impressive off-road capability. On rugged terrains, it excelled during tests on Michigan's Drummond Island, easily navigating deep-rutted muddy trails, water crossings, and rocky climbs. The Bronco's off-road prowess didn't compromise its on-road performance; it offered a surprisingly smooth and stable ride, making it a suitable companion for long road trips, unlike its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, together producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with all-wheel drive (4Matic) as an option. The GLC provided smooth acceleration, akin to an electric vehicle, with Mercedes estimating a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, competitive within its class.

The GLC 300's suspension favored comfort and compliance, making it an elegant, quiet ride, though not as sporty as some rivals like the BMW X3. Brake effectiveness and smooth modulation were points of strength, despite a brake pedal effort that could have been firmer. The returning GLC Coupe models maintained similar powertrains, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe added a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, upping the power to 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, geared for those seeking a sportier drive.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's iconic, squared-off styling translated into spacious interiors. Headroom was abundant; even in the rear seats, making it accessible to most passengers. Rear seat access in the two-door variant posed a challenge due to the required maneuvering between the door frame and front seat. Cargo space was generous, with the two-door hardtop accommodating up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with them folded. The four-door hardtop expanded these figures to 35.6 and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively, with the soft-top options further increasing space slightly. Despite the ample cargo area, the non-flat rear seat folding could complicate loading larger items.

Practical storage solutions within the Bronco included a large armrest bin, netted door pockets, and a rubberized phone tray. There were also options for stowable doors fitting into the cargo area and external mounting points for added utility.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class focused on delivering luxury and ergonomics. Front seats provided ample adjustment for comfort on long drives, with high-quality synthetic leather upholstery that could be upgraded to real leather. Personal items found their place in a well-sized center console bin equipped with a wireless charging pad, though the piano black lid tended to attract fingerprints.

Passenger space was ample in the front, and the rear seats could accommodate average adults comfortably. However, headroom was slightly constrained for taller passengers. The GLC 300 offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than its competitors by up to 35%. The Coupe's cargo capacity was reduced to 17.6 cubic feet, with an additional impact on rear headroom by 1.3 inches, posing limitations for taller backseat passengers.

The 2022 Ford Bronco seamlessly integrated technology to enhance off-road experiences while ensuring traditional off-roading credentials. Its Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring quick responses and sharp graphics, complemented the G.O.A.T. modes, off-road apps, and trail camera that provided confidence during off-road adventures. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside an available wireless charging pad, kept drivers connected without hassle.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class overhauled its interior technology. A prominent 11.9-inch touchscreen dominated the dashboard, with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its low placement increased distraction. The system's voice recognition via MBUX was highly reliable, yet the small capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel proved less user-friendly due to its high sensitivity. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, coupled with the optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, catered to tech-savvy consumers.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came equipped with essential safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco earned commendable ratings from the IIHS but had not been fully evaluated by NHTSA, though initial frontal crash ratings were promising.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, comprehensive crash-test results were pending. However, based on Mercedes' storied history, strong scores were anticipated. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety technologies were available through the Driver Assistance package. Previous models achieved top ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing the expectation of consistent safety excellence.