2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design and practical features. Toyota worked hard to shed the typical minivan image, giving the Sienna a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The vehicle offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with a special 25th Anniversary Edition also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option allowing for three car seats in the middle row, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact crossover, maintained its status as a best-seller with a cautious redesign that retained its familiar look. The GLC featured subtle updates like repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The interior was luxurious, with a driver-focused layout and an abundance of controls, especially in the AMG models. The GLC 43 SUV we tested boasted two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with technology, including screens, ambient lighting, and vents, making it a class-leading choice for those who appreciated gadgetry.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, it offered a nimble and enjoyable driving experience, especially in urban settings. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver, though its acceleration was less impressive compared to rivals like the Honda Odyssey. The Sienna featured multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 416 horsepower, significantly more than the base GLC 300's 255 horsepower. The GLC 43's engine was paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, offering quick shifts and sporty performance. However, the performance suspension and rougher shifts made it less suitable for daily commuting. The GLC 300 offered a more comfortable ride with its 9G-Tronic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. Enthusiasts appreciated the GLC 43's sporty nature and standard four-wheel steering for spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with clever cubbies, shelves, and bins throughout the cabin. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, the Sienna's captain's chairs provided excellent comfort and flexibility. The Sienna's spacious interior made it a practical choice for families needing ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver and numerous buttons, especially in AMG models. The GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe had less cargo space, with 17.6 cubic feet available. Despite the limited cargo capacity, the GLC's interior was luxurious and well-appointed, with features like power-folding rear seats and optional heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The system included physical buttons, which some users appreciated for their ease of use. While the interface felt dated and had some quirks, it was reliable overall. The Sienna's 9-inch touchscreen and optional 12-speaker JBL audio system provided adequate entertainment options for passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted a prominent 11.9-inch touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system included a responsive voice command feature and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and augmented reality navigation. The GLC's tech offerings were comprehensive, making it a standout choice for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model. While competitors offered additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna's safety suite was robust and reliable.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with its standard front crash-prevention system rated as "Acceptable." Standard safety features included active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent collision. Optional safety features were available through the Driver Assistance Package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.