2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern exterior. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black surround on the grille, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire width of the rear, enhancing its visual appeal. Despite the minivan's practical nature, its interior was somewhat dark unless upgraded to the top trim. The Limited's interior featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash with sweeping lines. However, the proximity of the chunky HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar design with subtle updates. The new taillights and repositioned door handles gave it a refreshed look, while the headlights tapered at the edges for a more menacing appearance. The taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear design elements were updated for a modern touch. The GLC Coupe's steeply sloping profile and fastback roof distinguished it from the SUV variant. The interior was sumptuous, with two-tone Sienna Brown and Black leather upholstery and an optional wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was heavy on gadgetry, with screens, buttons, ambient lighting, and vents, making it a class-leading interior for tech enthusiasts.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two small electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid option in the minivan segment. It boasted an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In real-world testing, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient for city driving but less so on highways. The minivan offered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. However, it was limited to front-wheel drive and lacked a spare tire and towing package.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's twin-turbocharged V6. The GLC 43's performance was enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, while the base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional 4Matic AWD, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with AWD. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed offering faster shifts. The GLC's performance models provided a sporty nature, but the firmer ride and rougher shifts made them less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The minivan had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats. However, taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with everything folded. The plug-in hybrid model lacked the flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with a center touchscreen, climate controls, and HVAC vents angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down. The standard power-folding rear seats and flat-folding capability added convenience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid had multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It featured a responsive voice command system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display with a "Transparent Hood" feature. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The Advanced USB package increased the standard three USB-C ports to six.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a collision by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and emitting a "pink noise" sound. The optional Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.