2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, with subtle updates that included new taillights and repositioned door handles. The headlights were redesigned to be narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The interior of the GLC was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold departure from its predecessors, embracing a boxy design that prioritized storage capacity. The exterior was aerodynamically efficient and featured sophisticated color options, including matte finishes. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling with a focus on comfort and practicality. The cabin was spacious, with options for reclining captain’s chairs and various upholstery choices, from stain-resistant cloth to quilted Nappa leather. The cargo area was designed for versatility, with ample space for car camping and tailgating.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 416 horsepower, a significant increase from the previous generation's 385 hp V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and the GLC 43 featured a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, offering faster shifts and improved torque handling. The base GLC 300, with 255 hp, was available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43's performance suspension and four-wheel steering provided a sporty driving experience, though it was less suited for daily commuting due to its firmer ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's base powertrain was a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional, except for the XRT trim, which had AWD as standard. The Santa Fe offered various driving modes, including off-road settings for the XRT trim. A hybrid version with a 1.6-liter engine was also available, providing 231 hp. The Santa Fe's fuel economy varied by drivetrain, with the hybrid achieving up to 36 mpg combined. The XRT trim offered increased towing capacity and off-road capability, making it suitable for adventurous outings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a driver-focused cabin layout, with controls angled towards 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 GLC Coupe, with its sloping roofline, offered less cargo space, at 17.6 cubic feet, expandable to 52.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a longer wheelbase and body, with most of the additional space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by the concept of "chabak," emphasizing comfort and storage. The Santa Fe offered a third row, though it was snug, while the first and second rows were spacious. The cargo area provided 14.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 79.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Santa Fe also featured roof rails and a new grab handle for easier loading.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit was dominated by an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, running the MBUX infotainment system with voice command capabilities. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional options like a Burmester sound system and augmented reality navigation available on higher trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a curved panoramic display in higher trims, offering intuitive controls and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Santa Fe also included Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access and information, with advanced features like Hyundai Pay and a biometric fingerprint scanner available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with standard safety features including active brake assist, attention assist, and Pre-Safe collision system. Optional safety features were available through the Driver Assistance Package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system.