2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

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, distinguishing it from the GLC 300 with its unique grille design. 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 Toyota Sienna, while still resembling a minivan, attempted to add style with its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. The rear fenders wrapped into a design that mirrored the front, and narrow taillights added a touch of sharpness. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna remained a practical choice for those needing seating for up to eight. Our test vehicle, the top-of-the-line Platinum model, featured a new Magnetic Gray paint color and was loaded with accessories, bringing its MSRP to $58,634. The interior updates included a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Overall, the Sienna's interior was considered an improvement over previous models.

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 4Matic AWD for an additional $2,000. The AMG GLC 43 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. However, the performance suspension and rougher shifts made it less suitable for daily commuting, though enthusiasts appreciated its sporty nature.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT. It offered 245 horsepower, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing 3,500 pounds. However, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The FWD model achieved an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving, though our test model averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with squishy steering and brakes that struggled during hard-braking events. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic drive, but the standard suspension provided a smooth, absorbent ride.

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 power-folding rear seats added convenience, though the Coupe's cargo space was limited compared to the SUV.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults. The Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 101 cubic feet, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. The hands-free power liftgate and sliding side doors facilitated easy loading and unloading.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with voice command functionality. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a head-up display. The GLC offered a range of tech options, including an Advanced USB package.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen for the TAM infotainment system. The Platinum model included a four-zone climate control system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the Drive Connect plan included a digital assistant. The Sienna Platinum featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality varied. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera were appreciated by passengers.

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 safety features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it scored three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.