2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of the familiar and the new. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected in 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 classy and timeless design, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant update, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction remained top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX nailed its exterior design with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a modern, refined presence. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a firmer massage than other luxury SUVs. While the MDX's cabin might not have matched the Mercedes-Benz GLS, its massaging seats were a standout feature.

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. 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 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, and the MDX had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine leather. Storage was adequate, with a large center console bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The GLC provided ample space for front passengers, while rear seats accommodated average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. Cargo space was 21.9 cubic feet, smaller than rivals, but sufficient for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space was 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option on higher trims. The Type-S Advance had a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and plenty of cupholders throughout the cabin. The center console offered ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the steering wheel's capacitive-touch trackpad was frustratingly sensitive. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports and a wireless charging pad, but the infotainment system's unintuitive nature detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received top scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model was based on, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.