2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

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 versions expected in the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite these updates, the GLC maintained its classic and timeless design, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant transformation, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with Mercedes' modern high-tech approach. The materials and construction quality remained top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to its rivals.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna stood out with its distinctive look across its various trims, including the LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. The Sienna's design was both sleek and kid-friendly, with options for vibrant colors like deep blue, red, or green. The XSE trim, in particular, emphasized a sporty vibe with features like a black metallic mesh front grille and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition catered to those seeking a bit more off-road capability, with features like roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Sienna offered practical features like a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, although their non-removable nature limited cargo space.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 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 rear-wheel drive as standard, while the 4Matic all-wheel-drive was available. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, delivering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 385 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was a hybrid minivan with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models added an electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna featured a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode, it felt sluggish off the line, with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributing to a less engaging driving experience. The minivan excelled in smooth, if slow, acceleration, and was best suited for city driving in Normal or Eco mode. The brakes were a bit grabby, but the steering was light and accurate, with excellent visibility.

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 and well-sized door pockets. The GLC's front seats accommodated taller passengers, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, though headroom was slightly limited. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 21.9 cubic feet, which was smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain’s chairs provided up to 40 inches of legroom and included an ottoman for added comfort. However, the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space. The third row was accessible and offered 39 inches of legroom when the second row was pushed forward. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second row folded. The rear liftgate was easily activated with a kick motion.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more 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 Toyota Sienna, however, was equipped with Toyota’s older infotainment technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the graphics and features were not as advanced, the inclusion of physical buttons for common menus was appreciated. The backup camera's grainy view was a drawback, but the Sienna offered a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and the Sienna included a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet for added convenience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its predecessor received top scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe came with additional features like cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a four-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention. The Sienna also featured numerous airbags and reminders for seat belts and rear passengers.