2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

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. Despite this, the GLC maintained its classy and timeless design, though some might have wished for a bit more distinction from its predecessor. Inside, the GLC received a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning it with newer Mercedes models. The interior boasted excellent materials and solid construction, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive sloping roofline, which set it apart from the standard GLC 300, and its interior, though older, still offered some usability advantages.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, continued to be a familiar sight on the roads despite its massive size. Measuring nearly 19 feet in length and over six feet in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, it catered to a specific market needing ample cargo and passenger space, as well as towing capacity. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of features, from basic niceties like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights to more luxurious options as you moved up the trim levels. The interior provided comfort and space, with leather upholstery standard on all but the base trim. The High Country trim, which was tested, featured a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and supportive seats, though they were not as comfortable as expected for long trips. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, lacking the richness found in some competitors.

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, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, with the option for Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. 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 a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride with a quiet cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, matching the GLC 300's performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The Duramax diesel engine, with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, excelled in fuel economy and towing, costing less than the V8 on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the electronic button-style shift mechanism freed up console space. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims. The Suburban's steering and brakes were capable, and the height-adjustable air suspension handled rough roads well, though drivers needed to account for its size and weight.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered front seats with ample adjustment and firm cushioning for long-distance comfort. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. Storage options included a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The GLC provided plenty of space for taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals, but 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 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down. This capacity surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L, making it ideal for families needing ample space for road trips. The Suburban also featured a 28-gallon fuel tank, allowing for long highway drives between fill-ups, especially with the diesel engine's 26-mpg highway rating.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate 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 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, with an 8-inch screen on the base LS trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google Built-in providing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store without phone pairing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system offered good fidelity but lacked the richness of higher speaker count systems found in competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. The previous GLC received top ratings from both organizations. 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 Coupe model had similar safety features.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver feature. Higher trims offered additional features like rear cross-traffic alert and Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system available on the Premier and High Country trims.