2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and familiar elements. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected for the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights, making it easy to mistake for the first-generation model from 2016. Despite this, the GLC maintained its position as a leader in the small luxury SUV class, with a timeless design that emphasized traditional luxury over novelty. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The returning Coupe models retained their distinctive sloping roofline and first-generation interior, which still held some usability advantages.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical alternative to SUVs. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package added stylish touches like body-colored door handles and gloss black accents. The exterior featured a split grille with standard LED headlamps and tail lamps spanning the rear width. Inside, the Limited trim had a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The controls were user-friendly, though the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was evident with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim, powered by 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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, 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. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine with similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In practice, it exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. It was front-wheel drive only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with a continuously variable automatic transmission and better handling due to its lower center of gravity.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. The interior provided sufficient storage with a large center console bin, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. However, the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC accommodated taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel, and the driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults, though taller passengers might prefer the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna for more legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but still offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, it had less overall space compared to the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made it less user-friendly. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its 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, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. Additional features like parallel parking assist required a package or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.