2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. 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 Coupe version retained its distinctive fastback roof, and the grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300 with vertical bars reminiscent of a pinstriped uniform. Inside, the GLC exuded luxury with its two-tone leather upholstery and wood-and-metal dash treatment, complemented by an array of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy yet sumptuous interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic boxy design, with a flat roof and heritage details across its trims. The grille and headlights paid homage to past models, while modern LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights added a contemporary touch. The interior varied by trim, with cloth, SofTex, or real leather seats, all heated, and a focus on comfort with features like a heated steering wheel and optional moonroof. The cabin echoed Toyota's truck lineup, emphasizing comfort and capability, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain without discomfort.

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 V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, making it the top performer in the GLC range. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower, with an optional 4Matic AWD system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering provided a sporty driving experience, though the ride was firmer than typical luxury crossovers.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery, and a 48-hp electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD. The Multi-Terrain Select system allowed operation in 4Hi or 4Lo, and the vehicle included standard rear- and center-locking differentials. The ability to disconnect the front sway bar enhanced off-road articulation, while the updated CRAWL control system provided silent, low-speed cruise control over challenging terrain.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver and numerous buttons, especially in AMG models. Standard features included heated front seats with memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with folded seats, while the Coupe provided 17.6 cubic feet, expandable to 52.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom of 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. The center console housed off-road controls, and the Premium Package added features like a center console cool box. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. It included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with responsive voice commands and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation and a Burmester sound system, while the Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An Advanced USB package increased the number of USB-C ports.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, enhanced off-road visibility via a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for both rows. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six speakers, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system with the Premium Package.

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

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and traffic jam assist, standard on the First Edition.