2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's cautious approach to design, maintaining a balance between rugged SUV aesthetics and appealing styling. Its lineup, ranging from the S to the Platinum trim, offered a variety of options, with the Platinum trim showcasing upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. Despite its entry-luxury price point, the Rogue's design and interior quality met the expectations of the compact SUV segment, making it a visually appealing choice for consumers.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC took a more conservative approach with its redesign, retaining much of its predecessor's styling while introducing subtle updates like new taillights and a more aggressive headlight design. The GLC's interior was luxurious, with a focus on gadgetry and high-quality materials. The AMG GLC 43 model, in particular, featured a sporty grille and a sumptuous interior with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC's design was aimed at maintaining its status as a best-seller while offering a touch of modernity.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's ride quality was generally smooth, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires provided modest grip.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 416 horsepower, significantly outperforming the base GLC 300's 255 horsepower. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission offered quick shifts, though it resulted in a firmer ride. The GLC's performance suspension and four-wheel steering contributed to its sporty nature, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts. However, the rougher shifts and firmer ride might not suit those seeking a comfortable commuter vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical interior with ample space for passengers and cargo. Its rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area provided up to 74.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The Rogue's front seats were comfortable, featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design, though the rear seats lacked comfort. Storage space was plentiful, but unlined compartments could lead to noise and vibration.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The GLC 300 SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet, while the Coupe variant provided less space. The GLC's interior was luxurious, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilated front and heated rear seats. The power-folding rear seats and flat-folding design added convenience, though the Coupe's cargo space was limited compared to the SUV.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an older design with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, limiting its usefulness. The Rogue's technology package was comprehensive but could benefit from updates to improve functionality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's infotainment system was centered around an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice command functionality that was notably responsive. The GLC's tech features included a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, augmented reality navigation, and a head-up display. The system's usability and advanced features made it a standout in the luxury segment.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some crash tests. ProPilot Assist impressed with its accuracy and ease of use, enhancing the Rogue's safety credentials.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with its standard safety features including active brake assist, attention assist, and Pre-Safe. The GLC's optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. While the GLC had not been tested by the NHTSA, its safety features and IIHS rating underscored its commitment to occupant protection.