2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Dodge Hornet

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a blend of the new and the old. The GLC 300 received a redesign, while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes expected for the 2024 model year. Despite the standard GLC 300 being an all-new car, the differences were subtle, with the most noticeable change being the narrower taillights. The design remained classy and timeless, maintaining its position as a leader in the small luxury SUV class. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with newer Mercedes models. The materials quality and construction were excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

The returning GLC Coupe models retained their exterior look, with the coupe-like roofline distinguishing them from the traditional GLC 300. The first-generation interior aged well, offering some usability advantages over the newer sibling. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, evolving from its successful predecessor while competitors leaned more into sport and technology.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased unmistakable Dodge DNA with its muscle-car styling cues, including the wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, dual extractors, and the illuminated Rhombi logo. The rear end resembled a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, giving it a premium feel, thanks to its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The standard silver 17-inch wheels appeared cheap from afar, but the Blacktop and Track Pack packages offered more appealing options with larger, stylish wheels and performance enhancements. Dodge continued its "High Impact Paint" tradition with seven vibrant exterior color options.

Inside, the GT Plus-trim Hornet featured comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings, while the base GT had cloth seats. The driver-oriented cockpit layout, with a screen favoring the driver and natural placements for the shift lever and start button, emphasized performance. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed the view of oncoming traffic. The overall interior design catered to a performance-inspired experience, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims.

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 rear-wheel drive as standard and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. The brake pedal effort was soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin.

The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. 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, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Its sport-tuned suspension and exhaust provided a firmer ride and louder engine, appealing to sport-minded drivers.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed most competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close. The Hornet's base model emitted a low, menacing rumble, enhancing its performance appeal. In Sport mode, the Hornet sharpened throttle responses, tightened steering, and optimized upshifts, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The base Hornet GT was peppy from a standstill but exhibited significant lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The hybrid powertrain in the Hornet R/T improved pickup pace.

The GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment and long-distance comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that convincingly mimicked genuine hides. Real leather options provided smoother surfaces. The interior featured a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than rivals but adequate for most shoppers. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The GT Plus-trim Hornet featured comfortable leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings, while the base GT had cloth seats. The front passenger seat matched the driver's for adjustability, though without memory function. Both seats were heated and ventilated on the GT Plus, with heated seats available on the GT. The driver-oriented cockpit layout, with a screen favoring the driver and natural placements for the shift lever and start button, emphasized performance. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed the view of oncoming traffic.

The new GLC interior featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The previous generation's screen was better positioned within the driver's sightline. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition but interrupted music or podcasts. The new system performed well but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The Hornet's cockpit focused on the driver, with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Basic climate and media functions had physical controls, while advanced features were accessible through the touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium system, wireless charging pad, and navigation.

Crash-test results for the new 2023 GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top scores from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, a rear backup camera, and rear park-assist. The Tech Pack added front, side, and rear park-assist, driver-attention monitoring, and a 360 "ParkView" surround-view camera, enabling Level 2 autonomous driving. The Hornet had not yet been evaluated by IIHS or NHTSA.