2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, framed the new headlights, giving the SUV a stronger and more assertive look. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, while LED taillights were standard on SEL and higher trims. The top Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique glossy black and chrome grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels, adding to its rugged appeal. The interior of the Calligraphy-trim tester was stylish, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof brightening the space. The horizontal quilting and dash lines were reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's design, and the materials used were of high quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact crossover, maintained its best-selling status in the US with a generational redesign that played it safe to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The new GLC sported updated taillights and a revised rear end design, with door handles moved beneath the bodywork crease. The headlights tapered at the edges, giving a more menacing appearance, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The 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 those who appreciated a tech-heavy environment.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly more so than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with standard paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $1,900. The Palisade's HTRAC AWD system proved capable on a muddy off-road course, although it wasn't designed for rock-crawling. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride and could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with AWD models featuring a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

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 engine was aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available for an extra $2,000. The GLC 43 used an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission, providing faster shifts and handling more torque than a dual-clutch transmission. The performance suspension offered improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride. Enthusiasts appreciated the sporty nature of the AMG GLC, especially with its standard four-wheel steering.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and cargo space totaled 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the seats folded flat. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows and provided two cupholders per person. The center console included a phone holder and space for a bag. Automatic dual-zone climate control was standard in SEL and higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. Both 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 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade offered remote accessibility and management features through Hyundai's Bluelink system, allowing remote control of heated or cooled seats and remote start presets. The Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, was standard on SEL models and up.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Exclusive trim adding navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Standalone tech options included an Advanced USB package, increasing the number of USB-C ports from three to six.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2022, with improvements in safety features for 2023. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, with the latter offering lane change assistance. A full-display digital rearview mirror and safe exit warning were also available.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ 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, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. The Driver Assistance Package, available for $1,950, added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.