2024 Hyundai Kona 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 sloping profile, with a fastback roof that barely extended to form a trunk. 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, showcasing Mercedes' commitment to gadgetry.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle focus, evident in its grille and seamless horizon styling. The new Kona was larger, with a recognizable silhouette but updated features like creased doors and substantial body cladding. The interior saw significant updates, including a driver-oriented center stack and a curved display housing driver-information and infotainment screens. The gear shift moved to the steering column, creating more space between the driver and passenger. The Kona's cabin was modernized, with improved storage solutions and updated seating materials.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43 featured the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed, providing faster shifts and handling more torque. The performance suspension offered improved handling but a firmer ride, making it less ideal for commuting.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the SE and SEL trims, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for the N-Line and Limited trims. The base engine produced 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo offered 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Kona's transmission was updated to an eight-speed automatic, with paddle shifters available on higher trims. The Kona's handling was intuitive, with nimble steering, though pickup was slightly slow even with the turbo engine.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length improved rear-seat legroom to 38.2 inches and cargo capacity to 25.5 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with them down. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate, and the cabin offered practical storage solutions, like a shelf on the passenger's side of the dash. The Kona's seating materials varied by trim, with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard on the Limited trim.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, while the Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The GLC offered an Advanced USB package with six USB-C ports.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were initially available only on lower trims, with an OTA update promised for higher trims. The Kona featured a Bose stereo system, dual 12.3-inch screens on higher trims, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected services standard.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with standard safety features like active brake assist and Pre-Safe. Optional safety features required the Driver Assistance Package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona included standard safety features like Safe Exit Warning and blind-spot collision avoidance. The Limited trim added Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist provided smooth lane-keep assist, enhancing the Kona's safety suite.