2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a generational redesign, maintaining a familiar aesthetic to appease its loyal fanbase. The exterior changes were subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, while the headlights became narrower and more aggressive. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive fastback roofline, and the grille design differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC boasted a luxurious interior with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash, complemented by an array of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy yet sumptuous space.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling and digital instrumentation, though it fell short in material quality. The interior featured hard plastics and Evotex artificial leather, which detracted from its premium feel. The Traverse offered various trims, with the Z71 spec providing off-road capabilities and additional features like a panoramic sunroof and advanced driving packages. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse's design and technology made it a visually appealing choice.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The GLC 300, with 255 horsepower, offered a more modest option. The GLC 43 featured a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, providing faster shifts and improved torque handling, though it resulted in rougher shifts. The performance suspension offered improved handling but a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse housed a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine's exhaust note was less refined, but it provided ample power for acceleration. The Traverse Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured a higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Z71 excelled in off-road conditions, offering a smoother ride on rough terrain. However, the Traverse's size and suspension made it less sporty on winding roads, and the brakes could be touchy.

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 folded rear seats. The GLC Coupe, with its tighter interior, offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its second-row bench seat. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort. The Traverse's third-row seats were comfortable but lacked USB ports and a view due to window design. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 97.6 cubic feet with folded seats, though folding the third row required adjusting the second row.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering voice command functionality and 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. Optional tech included an Advanced USB package.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and wireless smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with effective voice recognition. The Traverse also offered an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

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. Optional safety features required the Driver Assistance Package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, and additional safety features. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.