2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

In the past, the 2022 Nissan Rogue had carried forward its sophisticated and grown-up look from its recent redesign. The Rogue displayed several exterior design features that aligned with other current-generation Nissan vehicles, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The floating roof illusion and bulging liftgate added to its sleek look. Inside, the Rogue’s cabin featured a layered dash with distinct horizontal layers, and the center console highlighted a more spacious design made possible by an electronic gear selector. The interior exhibited an exemplary fit and finish with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, offering comfort and ample legroom for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, although redesigned, maintained a subtle evolution in its exterior design. The GLC 300 had new, narrower taillights but could still be mistaken for its predecessors. Its classy and timeless styling continued to lead the small luxury SUV class. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a modern, high-tech slant. The returning Coupe models retained their distinctive coupe-like roofline. Overall, the GLC’s design exuded traditional luxury with excellent materials quality and solid construction.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced noticeable improvements in its performance compared to previous models. It featured a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine capable of 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, providing an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque than the 2021 model. With impressive fuel economy estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, the Rogue delivered a smooth ride, courtesy of its refined chassis and suspension. The new CVT transmission offered a wider gear ratio, enhancing the SUV’s response during acceleration and passing situations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, particularly the GLC 300, boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. With an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, the GLC provided smooth and linear acceleration. The brake pedal effort was on the softer side, while the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smoother ride with a near-silent cabin. The sportier AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, offering more dynamic performance with a firmer ride.

Even with only three generations of evolution, the 2022 Nissan Rogue had been honed into a very capable vehicle. The front cabin was designed with numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and more. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed storage options and USB ports. The Rogue boasted a significant cargo capacity, with 31.6-36.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class had comfortable front seats with substantial Mercedes synthetic leather upholstery and ample adjustment options. However, the piano black lid of the center console attracted dust and fingerprints. While the front seats offered plenty of space for taller passengers, the rear seats had limited headroom but abundant legroom. The GLC provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly smaller than its rivals. The GLC Coupe had reduced cargo capacity of 17.6 cubic feet due to its sloping roofline, which also affected rear headroom.

The Rogue’s 2021 makeover brought a technology upgrade carried into the 2022 model. Upper trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist enhanced driver assistance, integrating with the navigation system to adjust speed proactively.

The 2023 GLC-Class showcased an improved interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen dominating the center of the dashboard. Despite the sharp graphics and responsive performance, the screen's lower placement required more attention from the driver. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. However, the lack of physical buttons for audio and climate controls made adjustments more distracting.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, ProPilot Assist offered a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system, combining steering-assist and adaptive cruise control to handle acceleration, braking, and steering. The Rogue earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2021 model receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, crash-test results were not available, but the model was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Previous models received top safety ratings, which boded well for the new GLC.