2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained its familiar design, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but it maintained a resemblance to its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece, giving the rear a refreshed look. The Coupe version continued to feature its distinctive fastback roof, maintaining its hatchback-like appearance. The interior was luxurious, with a focus on gadgetry, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was equipped with numerous screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a class leader in terms of interior opulence.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and tapered roofline created an appealing silhouette, though the 2025 styling was considered less elegant. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a plush interior that did not rely heavily on screens. The Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort, while the second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator provided excellent storage space, with a large cargo area and numerous compartments for organization.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable but overshadowed by the GLC 43's output. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with 4Matic AWD. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The power was transmitted through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing the ride quality. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a quiet cabin, though the ride was affected by large wheels and thin tires.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a driver-focused cabin layout, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered standard heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Coupe version offered less cargo space, with 17.6 cubic feet available, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, and the interior was well-appointed with numerous controls and features.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also comfortable, though the third-row seats were less suitable for adults. The Aviator provided excellent storage options, with a large center console, deep door pockets, and an optional second-row console. The cargo space was generous, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet available.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, known for its responsive voice command capabilities. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features available on higher trims, such as navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. The Pinnacle trim added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Optional tech included an Advanced USB package, increasing the number of USB-C ports.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. The system supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive during testing, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system and an impressive head-up display with comprehensive data presentation.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the 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 steering assist.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator also featured BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system for approved highways. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.