2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV that bridged the gap between subcompact and compact crossovers. It competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos came in three trims: S, SE, and SEL, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045. It offered both front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive options. The 4Motion AWD version featured a dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an independent multilink rear suspension, enhancing its driving dynamics. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the SEL trim added upscale touches like two-tone perforated leather and contrast stitching.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a mix of new and old, with the GLC 300 being redesigned while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The new GLC 300 had subtle exterior changes, including narrower taillights, but retained the classic styling that had made the first-generation GLC popular. The interior received a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction were top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The returning GLC Coupe models maintained their distinctive coupe-like roofline and first-generation interior, which still held usability advantages.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's robust torque made the Taos feel powerful, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was only available with front-wheel drive. The Taos SEL 4Motion in Sport mode provided a more engaging driving experience, aided by P225/45R19 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, its 6.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA-rated 28 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured 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. The nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with the SEL trim offering deeply bolstered seats with power adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 4Motion models had slightly less cargo space, at 24.9 cubic feet and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively. The Taos also featured a center pass-through for ski trips.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats were adjustable and comfortable for long distances, with synthetic leather upholstery that looked and felt substantial. Real leather was available for a smoother surface. The GLC offered ample storage, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats provided adequate space for average adults, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than rivals but still adequate. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the S trim. The SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SE trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, and wireless smartphone charging. The SEL trim included a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the MIB3 infotainment system had usability issues, including complex radio station changes and unreliable voice recognition.

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 previous generation's screen was better positioned for the driver's sightline. The new GLC retained a capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was overly sensitive and frustrating to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition but interrupted music or podcasts. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies as standard or optional on all trims. The IQ Drive package for the Taos S included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also added Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Taos SEL included all these features as standard, along with rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and low-speed Travel Assist. The reverse automatic braking system could be turned off if needed. Crash test results were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 had not yet been crash-tested, but the previous GLC received top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, 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 GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation.