2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes anticipated for the 2024 model year. Despite being an all-new car, the GLC 300's changes were subtle, with the most noticeable update being its narrower taillights. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. Its timeless, classy styling remained attractive, though some might have wished for a bit more personality to distinguish the new model from its predecessor. Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel modernized the interior, maintaining excellent materials quality and solid construction. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX, the GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered both standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages to enhance equipment levels. The Type S, in particular, was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, featuring subtle design cues and performance enhancements. It included chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, contributing to its understated yet appealing appearance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its attractive design, the MDX had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which made controls challenging to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear, which could be confusing. Overall, the MDX Type S was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV, though it had some quirks that detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was initially available in the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard, while 4Matic all-wheel drive was optional. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. While it provided ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's powertrain. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride and a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, matching the GLC 300's performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was heavier, affecting its performance. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. Its transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were difficult to modulate. The engine's power increase was modest, and fuel economy was poor, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but fell short of its performance-oriented mission.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and firm cushioning. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, and real leather was available for a smoother feel. The GLC provided sufficient storage options, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but still adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items, and a panoramic sunroof was optional. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible second-row configurations and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. Despite the adjustments, the seats didn't offer the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX accommodated seven passengers, with a removable second-row center section for easier access to the third row. The second-row seats were comfortable, with heating in the outboard positions, but the third row was best suited for children. The cabin prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the front center armrest. The cargo area offered ample floor space and an underfloor storage bin, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Type S Advance included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system included a capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was sensitive and challenging to use. The system's voice recognition was excellent, though it interrupted audio playback. The infotainment system lacked physical buttons, making adjustments more distracting. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was not touch-sensitive. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, allowing for voice commands. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system providing excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. 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 Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. All MDX models had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with certain trims adding parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.