2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained its status as a best-seller in the US by opting for a conservative redesign that retained the familiar look of its predecessor. The new model 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 continued to stand out with its steeply sloping profile and fastback roof, giving it a distinct hatchback appearance. 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, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525. The Venue Limited, with its Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats, had an MSRP of $24,735. Despite its affordability, the Venue boasted a stylish design with unexpected touches like seat stripes and white trim around the dashboard. The interior featured hard plastics but managed to avoid looking cheap. The Venue's digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, offering a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

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. This engine was complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300, with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, was less powerful but still competitive in its class. The GLC 300 offered rear-wheel drive, with an optional 4Matic all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. The AMG GLC 43 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. However, the performance suspension resulted in a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing just 2,612 pounds in base SE trim, the Venue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maximized its power for city and suburban driving. While the Venue excelled in urban environments with its nimble handling and excellent visibility, its suspension struggled on rough roads, leading to a busy ride quality. The Venue lacked all-wheel drive, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle snow better than a typical car. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving, though our testing yielded 30.3 mpg.

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, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe, with its tighter interior, offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet when the rear seats were down.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, and the steering wheel offered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. The back seat technically accommodated three people, but two would be more comfortable. The Venue provided USB ports for rear-seat passengers but lacked air conditioning vents and privacy glass. Cargo space was on par with a compact car, offering 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, and a head-up display. The system's voice command functionality was notably effective, enhancing usability and safety.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue Limited added navigation, SiriusXM, a wireless charger, and Bluelink+ services. However, the upgraded system required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a drawback. Despite this, the Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with impressive voice recognition.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for its standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist were available in the Driver Assistance Package.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The Venue SEL added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars.