2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained much of its predecessor's design, with subtle updates like repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were notably different, connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear design was updated with less chrome and a more pronounced trunk. The GLC Coupe maintained its distinctive sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback, with a grille that differentiated AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC's interior was luxurious, featuring 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.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a high beltline and a taller grille and front fascia, giving it a more imposing presence. The PRO-4X trim featured a skid plate and unique front lighting with C-shaped LED lines. From the side, the Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged elements like black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires. The rear featured LED taillights and a red lightbar on higher trims. The Armada offered various wheel sizes, with the PRO-4X having a unique design. Inside, the Armada was comfortably outfitted, with premium materials and a luxurious feel, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. 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 a firmer ride, making it less suitable for commuting.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It replaced the old seven-speed automatic with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only, featuring dedicated wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension offered improved off-road capabilities, with a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and featured trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided a nice sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension added comfort.

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 offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet. The Coupe's interior was tighter, but the hatchback-like configuration allowed for more space when needed.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve had comfortable "Zero Gravity" seats, with standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada offered a three-row seating configuration, with power one-touch folding for the third row. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. The Armada's headroom and legroom were adjusted, with improvements in the third row.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Standalone tech options included an Advanced USB package with six USB-C ports.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level. The base Armada SV had a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims.

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 Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a collision by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available in the Driver Assistance Package.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with adaptive cruise control and active lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. Every Armada came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims featured a surround-view camera and Nissan’s 3D Around View Monitor.