2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

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 Coupes anticipated for the 2024 model year. The changes in the standard GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite these updates, the GLC maintained its classic luxury SUV appeal, with a design that had stood the test of time since its first generation in 2016. The interior saw a more significant transformation, aligning with Mercedes' newer models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction quality remained top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to its rivals.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year. It retained its lineup of trim levels, including S, SV, SL, and Platinum models. The Rogue's exterior featured a new, larger grille and redesigned inner taillight elements, with satin-finish exterior badging and new wheel designs for different trims. The interior saw updates with a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a more premium feel. The Rogue Platinum model boasted leather seats with quilted stitching, enhancing its upscale appeal. Despite these updates, the Rogue's performance and ride quality did not match the excitement of its engine, with a firmer suspension that affected ride comfort.

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 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 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, capable of varying its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. It produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming many competitors' engines. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, affecting the driving experience. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without enhancing handling. Despite the engine's impressive performance, the Rogue's overall driving dynamics were less engaging, though it maintained a quiet cabin.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. The interior provided sufficient storage, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC accommodated taller passengers in the front, with adequate rear seat space for average adults. Cargo capacity was 21.9 cubic feet, smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with differences mainly in legroom compared to rivals. It offered 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, less than some competitors but more than others. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Rogue featured a pass-through space in the center console and a storage tray at floor level, though accessing it was awkward. The cargo area included a molded space for grocery bags, and higher trims offered a power liftgate and motion-activated liftgate.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it 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 for audio enthusiasts.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to feature Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly into the infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the user experience, though the system was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue offered multiple charging options, including USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Connect Services to three years, providing features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its predecessor received top ratings. 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 offered additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received good safety scores from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added automated lane centering for highway driving, enhancing the Rogue's safety offerings.