2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 Coupes anticipated 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 class over novelty. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with Mercedes' modern high-tech approach. The materials and construction quality remained top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions through square wheel arches and fake air vents. It was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires and a black hood graphic. The CX-50's interior was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by the standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats in base models. The CX-50 offered a sensible layout and adequate storage space, but it didn't quite match the upscale feel Mazda aimed for.

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 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, matching the GLC 300's 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 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience differed from the CX-5, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered otherwise.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. Storage was adequate, with a large center console bin, 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 comfortably, 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 lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It had 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing most competitors in cargo capacity. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, including a substantial shifter and Mazda's rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

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 more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without looking away from the road. The infotainment system felt dated, but it was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high scores. 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 offered additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests. It received a five-star frontal crash-test rating from the NHTSA, but other ratings were not available. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.