2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport offered seating for five, while the L trim signified a three-row, 7-passenger option. The 2022 model continued the modern and sporty design introduced in its 2020 facelift, featuring a revised grille and other exterior enhancements. Among its competitors, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features that balanced eye-catching design with careful restraint. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and unique front fascia.

Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal across all trims, with the F Sport adding a sporty vibe through model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. The cabin offered nearly a dozen color combinations, with non-F Sport models featuring a mix of NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather seats and various metal and wood trim pairings. Despite the high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, the center stack felt dated due to an abundance of buttons. Comfort was a mixed bag, with the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim lacking cushioning and lumbar support, making it challenging to find an ideal driving position.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was split between the redesigned GLC 300 and the carryover Coupe models. The new GLC 300 featured subtle exterior changes, such as narrower taillights, maintaining the classy and timeless design of its predecessor. The interior received a significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models, and featured a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials quality and construction were excellent, with a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

The returning GLC Coupe models retained their first-generation exterior and interior design, with a coupe-like roofline that set them apart from the traditional GLC 300. Despite the older design, the Coupe's interior held usability advantages over its newer sibling. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, with the new model being an evolution of the successful theme established seven years ago.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors to the V6, resulting in a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with AWD.

Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's real-world performance was underwhelming. The engine note resembled a turbocharged four-cylinder rather than a V6, and acceleration was unimpressive. The F Sport trim, equipped with performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, failed to deliver significant changes in driving dynamics between Normal and Sport/Sport+ modes. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, with the hybrid RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined.

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 (RWD) were standard, with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The GLC 300's acceleration was smooth and linear, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal effort was soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 300 delivered a smoother ride than its rivals, with a nearly silent cabin.

The returning GLC 4Matic Coupe featured an older four-cylinder turbo engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, also reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, produced 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The AMG model offered a sportier ride with a firmer suspension and louder engine.

The standard two-row 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, and rear headroom was 39.1 inches. Front legroom was ample at 44.1 inches, with 38.0 inches available in the rear. The three-row L models, with the same wheelbase as the two-row version, provided limited space for anything but groceries. The RX 350L featured a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with second-row captain’s chairs available.

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 down. 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 folded. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the high load-in height made loading cargo challenging. The RX included thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment and firm cushioning for long-distance comfort. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. The GLC provided plenty of storage options, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, well-sized door pockets, and a bin under the center armrest. However, the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints.

The GLC's front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats provided adequate space for average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, smaller than rivals but adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat with the cargo floor 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 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver, the touchscreens were ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip in front of the screen creating access issues. The touchscreen was quick and responsive, but the alternatives—voice commands and a touchpad—were frustrating to use. The touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive, making it difficult to operate.

The RX offered a long list of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, dual- and tri-zone climate control, premium audio systems, navigation with cloud-based updates, and heated and ventilated seats. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's new interior layout 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 previous generation's screen was better positioned, 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 frustrating due to its sensitivity.

The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but voice controls interrupted music or podcasts. 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 Lexus RX came standard with 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 safety 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.

Crash-test results for the 2023 GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features for the new GLC 300 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The GLC Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera.