2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, ensuring it didn't stray too far from its predecessor's design. The redesign featured subtle changes, such as repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roofline, and the grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300 with vertical bars reminiscent of pinstripes. Inside, the GLC's interior was luxurious, with options like two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy environment that appealed to tech enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged appearance, suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model added skid plates and all-terrain tires, enhancing its tough persona. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling was evident, with analog instruments and a small eight-inch touchscreen. The interior featured hard plastics, but cushioned panels provided some comfort. Despite its dated look, the 4Runner offered practicality with ample storage and a spacious cabin, though it lacked the modern touches found in competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. This engine was complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The GLC 300, on the other hand, delivered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable but overshadowed by the GLC 43's output. The GLC 300 offered rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with all-wheel drive. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 boasting the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for quicker shifts. The GLC's performance models were not ideal for daily commuting due to their firm suspension and rougher shifts, but they excelled in sporty driving scenarios.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, generating 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with optional four-wheel drive. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. Its soft suspension was beneficial for off-roading but resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways. Despite its shortcomings, the 4Runner remained composed under hard braking and offered a comfortable ride over rough terrain.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was designed with the driver in mind, featuring a center touchscreen and controls angled toward the driver. The interior was filled with buttons, especially in AMG models, where the steering wheel had additional controls. Standard features included heated front seats with memory functions, while options like front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats were available. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe had less cargo space, with 17.6 cubic feet available, but its hatchback-like design allowed for 52.6 cubic feet when the seats were down.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with large climate-control dials and driveline levers that were easy to use. The cabin provided excellent visibility, crucial for off-road driving. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. The 4Runner could accommodate up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats stowed, though accessing the seats required manual effort. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added convenience, while the 5,000-pound towing capacity made it suitable for small campers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a prominent 11.9-inch touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice commands that were notably responsive. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road display with a "Transparent Hood" feature. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Additional tech options included an Advanced USB package, increasing the number of USB-C ports.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed the sound quality. The headliner console housed terrain controls, with dials for Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner's tech was functional but lacked the off-road-specific apps found in competitors.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for its standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, 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.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner earned mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, though the 4Runner's alerts were often oversensitive.