2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism to its SUV bulk, creating a balance between ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige models further enhanced this character with unique styling elements, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark-finished chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by the cross-section of an airplane's wing, with a minimalistic design that incorporated a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller, giving it a futuristic feel. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede seat inserts, although base models came with leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and old design elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, featuring narrower taillights, but retained much of the first-generation GLC's styling, which had been a leader in the small luxury SUV class. The new GLC's interior received a significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models. It featured a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The returning GLC Coupe models maintained their coupe-like roofline, setting them apart from the standard GLC 300. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, focusing on timeless design rather than novelty.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature not commonly found in competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which typically offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard. The GV70 also included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty intentions. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced the GV70's performance, sharpening throttle response and holding high revs for quick acceleration. However, the GV70's chassis and steering lacked the sharpness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan, and its ride was firm even in Comfort mode.

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. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive available. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. While not as lively as the BMW X3's powertrain, it provided ample power for highway merging and passing. The GLC's suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smoother ride than its rivals. The returning GLC 4Matic Coupe featured an older four-cylinder turbo engine with similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided front-seat headroom comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to the BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good due to thin rear pillars. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground between competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, it included a covered storage cubby with USB ports for phones, and rear-seat passengers had their own climate controls. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats provided ample adjustment for comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that convincingly mimicked genuine hides. Real leather was available for a smoother feel. The GLC offered a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. Door pockets and a bin under the center armrest provided additional storage. The GLC's front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats offered ample legroom but slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The screen's landscape orientation and tile-based layout provided a user-friendly experience, complemented by a high-quality glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key option, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car and accessing driver profiles. Genesis Connected Services included a radar-based rear-seat monitor and remote activation of 360-degree cameras, along with driver profiles, last-mile guidance navigation, and a valet mode.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making it more distracting to operate. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system catered to audio enthusiasts. The older layout and system were available with the less practical Coupe body style.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, and Highway Driving Assist with automated lane centering. The GV70 also featured eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous GLC received top scores and was named a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features for the 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. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.