2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a redesign that maintained its familiar aesthetic, ensuring it didn't alienate its loyal fanbase. Designers opted for subtle changes, such as repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were updated with a connecting trim piece, and the rear design saw less chrome and a more pronounced trunk. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback. Inside, the GLC impressed with its luxurious feel, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash. The interior was gadget-heavy, aligning with Mercedes' reputation for tech-laden cabins.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition offered a rugged yet suburban-friendly look. It featured black wheels and trim, with a cabin adorned in black leather with red accents. The Pilot's design aimed for practicality, with thoughtful touches like smartphone holders and rear window shades. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, which could be a drawback for long trips. The Pilot's interior was spacious, with a flexible seating arrangement and ample cargo space, making it ideal for family use.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 416 horsepower, surpassing its predecessor's V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission offered quick shifts, enhancing performance but resulting in rougher transitions. The GLC 300, with 255 horsepower, provided a more comfortable ride, especially for daily commuting.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot's AWD system included torque vectoring and hill descent control. While the V6 provided decent acceleration, the transmission occasionally lagged. Fuel economy was a concern, with city driving yielding 17.8 mpg. The Pilot's handling was predictable, though an adaptive-damping suspension could improve ride quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. It featured standard heated and memory front seats, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. Cargo space in the GLC SUV was 21.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with folded seats. The Coupe offered less space, with 17.6 cubic feet, but its hatchback design allowed for 52.6 cubic feet when needed.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in practicality, with three rows of seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front row had a 10-way adjustable driver seat but limited passenger adjustability. The second row was spacious, with removable sections for easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering 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 Honda Pilot's tech appeared dated, with a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Black Edition included a Bose audio system and CabinTalk for communication. However, the wireless charging pad was prone to device movement.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with standard features like active brake assist and Pre-Safe. Optional safety features required the Driver Assistance Package. The GLC's safety ratings were not yet available from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition added parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. The Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.