2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. Its traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct identity, setting it apart from the Tundra's more unconventional design. Inside, the Sequoia shared much with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, but some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or add a TRD Off-Road Package to the SR5 and Limited trims for enhanced capability.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The most noticeable change was the narrower taillights, but the overall design remained timeless and elegant. Inside, the GLC received a significant update with a modern, high-tech interior featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction were top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to rivals. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive roofline and interior, providing a unique option for buyers. Overall, the GLC-Class maintained its reputation for traditional luxury, appealing to those who preferred a more classic approach.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity improved to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency also saw a boost, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg for 4WD and 22 mpg for RWD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their preferences. However, the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured 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. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, providing ample power for highway merging and passing. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine, offering similar performance figures. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe, with its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension and exhaust added excitement but affected ride comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The front seats were particularly comfortable, and the wide, padded door panel shelf provided a convenient resting place for long drives. However, the Sequoia's interior space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, resulting in reduced cargo capacity. With the third-row seat in its rearmost position, the Sequoia offered just 11.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. Folding the third-row seats increased capacity to 49 cubic feet, but this was still less than the previous model. The Sequoia's overall utility was limited compared to its rivals, despite its improved towing and hauling capabilities.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and well-shaped cushions for long-distance comfort. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincing, and real leather was available for a smoother feel. The GLC provided sufficient storage options, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders. However, the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC's interior space was generous, with plenty of room for taller passengers in the front and adequate space for average adults in the rear. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals but still adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, glare on the display was an issue, especially in the Capstone trim. The system allowed for user accounts and included an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. The Sequoia also featured a 10-inch head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a digital rearview mirror. The parking sensors and automatic rear braking system were effective, enhancing safety during maneuvers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, the screen's lower placement made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system featured excellent voice recognition, but voice controls interrupted audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons, making adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system was available for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, all standard. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash-test results were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300's crash-test results were pending, but the previous model received top scores from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation, and false alarms were rare.