2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained a familiar design, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but it maintained the overall look of its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The trunk design was updated, with less chrome and a more pronounced rear bumper. The GLC Coupe's steeply sloping profile and fastback roof remained its defining features, giving it a hatchback-like appearance. The interior was luxurious, with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment, complemented by numerous screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy environment.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. The cabin was upscale, but the ergonomics were flawed, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90's design and interior sophistication stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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 supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable but overshadowed by the GLC 43's performance. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive 4Matic model, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with 4Matic AWD. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling, but the ride was firmer than expected for a luxury crossover.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with 340 hp on premium gas. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The ride and handling were impressive, but noise and impact harshness were noticeable, detracting from the upscale impression.

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, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe was tighter, with 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, but the cargo space was not spectacular.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. The third row was best for children, with limited space for adults. The CX-90's storage options were limited, with a smartphone charging tray, shallow bin, and small door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, with a responsive voice command system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a head-up display available on higher trims. The GLC offered a range of tech options, including an Advanced USB package.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with touch sensitivity only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons, which took time to get used to. The voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, but the audible warning systems were intrusive.