2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and old elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, while the Coupe models remained unchanged from the previous year, with new Coupes expected in the 2024 model year. Despite the GLC 300 being an all-new car, the differences were subtle, with the most noticeable change being the narrower taillights. The design retained its classy and timeless appeal, although some might have wished for a bit more personality to distinguish the new model from its predecessor. The interior saw a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The materials and construction quality remained excellent, with a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued mostly unchanged from the previous year, with the most notable update being the complimentary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan for owners. Available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, the Tiguan offered a range of exterior and interior color options, though choices were limited by trim level. The SEL R-Line trim, with its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels, was particularly appealing. The interior, while upscale, had some ergonomic issues with touch-sensing controls that could be distracting. However, the Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, offering generous room and practical features like a hands-free power liftgate and adjustable load floor height.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was 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 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. The GLC 300 delivered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, though it wasn't as lively as some competitors. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, also producing 255 hp, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp, providing a sportier driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, offering various driving modes for different conditions. The Tiguan's powertrain provided adequate power, though it struggled at higher revs and had some turbo lag. The automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan offered rewarding dynamic qualities, with excellent tire grip and stable handling. The ride was compliant, and the vehicle felt nimble and easy to park, aided by features like a surround-view camera and parking sensors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. Storage space was adequate, with a large center console bin, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats provided enough space for average adults, though headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 21.9 cubic feet, 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 slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with roomy front seats offering eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard had some ergonomic issues with touch-sensing controls, but the overall interior was upscale. The Tiguan's rear seats provided generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, with additional features like air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row in AWD models, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. FWD models offered slightly less cargo space due to the third-row seat.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, the screen's lower placement made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system had excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system underperformed, likely due to inactive subscriptions in the test vehicle.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Coupe model had additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan's safety technology performed well, with minimal false alerts. However, the NHTSA's crash-test ratings were incomplete, and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating did not apply for the 2023 calendar year.