2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class displayed a contemporary yet understated design that aligned with the sophisticated aesthetics of Mercedesville. Its new front fascia, featuring a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, offered an aggressive demeanor reminiscent of the A-Class and CLS-Class models. The taillights incorporated square LEDs, maintaining a housings style consistent with past models. However, without a direct comparison to pre-2020 models, the subtle differences might have gone unnoticed. Despite not being unattractive, the GLC-Class was considered somewhat lackluster in visual drama compared to competitors like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. The mass-market GLC 300 lacked distinctive flair, though the AMG versions provided more visual interest with their wider tires, vertical-bar grilles, and lower stances. The GLC Coupe, with its fastback roof, added a touch of excitement.

The interior was where the GLC-Class truly excelled. The combination of high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship created an exquisite cabin environment. The standout feature was the wood trim cascading from the three circular air vents, seamlessly integrating with the padded leather and cold metal speaker covers. The upgraded standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older 7- and 8.4-inch displays, along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, modernized the interior further. The ergonomic seating controls located on the doors and the refined touch of the central touchpad made the GLC’s cabin a showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to luxury.

The 2020 Acura MDX, in contrast, had a respectable yet unremarkable appearance. It didn’t capture attention in a crowded parking lot but didn’t disappoint either. Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights, with their distinctive five-element array, provided both functional and aesthetic benefits by flanking the trapezoidal grille with the prominent Acura logo. The MDX's sleek, chiseled exterior design, backed by flawless paint and chrome work, lent the vehicle an air of understated elegance.

Inside, the MDX focused on modern simplicity. The centerpiece was a dual-screen infotainment system with an upper 8.0-inch navigation screen and a lower On-Demand Multi-Use Display. This setup, combined with superior material quality and fit and finish, made the interior feel solid and luxurious despite lacking the extensive padding and stitching common in high-end SUVs.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offered a varied driving experience. The GLC 300 sported a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a reprogrammed 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup, available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (standard in the Coupe version), significantly improved responsiveness compared to the older models. However, it didn’t measure up to the impressive engines in BMW's X3 or even Honda’s Accord, falling short in sound quality, vibration, and response.

The AMG variants, however, were showstoppers. The AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered linear and robust power delivery, with a thrilling exhaust note. Even more formidable were the AMG GLC 63 models, featuring a twin-turbo V8, rated at 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the enhanced GLC 63 S producing 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. These models included performance features like an electronic locking rear differential, adaptive dampers, and air suspension, tailored for superior handling.

Despite the excitement of the AMG models, the GLC 300’s steering and handling left much to be desired, particularly in terms of body roll and suspension control. Fuel economy was decent, with the GLC 300 4Matic achieving 21 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a choice between two powertrains. The base model came equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, producing a robust 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The MDX delivered commendable straight-line performance, with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhancing cornering agility through torque-vectoring technology. This made the MDX unusually nimble for a three-row SUV. It provided a composed and drama-free driving experience, seamlessly directing power to the outside wheel during turns and maintaining stability and traction.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class had a mixed bag in terms of interior functionality. While the mix of digital and physical controls was intuitive, the learning curve for new Mercedes drivers could be steep. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but ultimately practical choices. The user-friendly MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.3-inch touchscreen and customizable digital instruments, added to the GLC’s charm. However, interior space was somewhat limited, comfortably seating four adults with a confusing rear seat reclining mechanism that was best left untouched after the initial setting.

Cargo space was also a drawback for the GLC, offering 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded – significantly less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in family-friendly functionality. Offering three rows of seating with sliding and reclining second-row seats, it provided comfortable seating even in the third row. The cargo space was practical, with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. This flexibility made the MDX a standout option for families needing ample cargo and passenger space. Additional storage solutions included a recessed cubby, underfloor storage, and various pockets and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class featured the innovative MBUX infotainment system, although some functionalities felt ahead of their time. Highlights included the augmented reality navigation system that overlaid directional arrows and street names onto a live camera feed displayed on the touchscreen. Despite being occasionally distracting, these features indicated Mercedes’ forward-thinking approach. The cloud-based voice assistant and AI-based behavior tracking further enhanced the high-tech feel. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB-C ports, with optional wireless device charging. The new Off-Road Engineering Package added features like hill-descent control and underbody shields.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX offered a streamlined approach to technology through trim-based packages. The base model included essentials like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. The Technology Package added advanced features such as navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and an upgraded 10-speaker audio system. The Advance Package further enhanced the tech offerings with a surround-view camera, heated and ventilated seats, and more. The optional Entertainment Package introduced a DVD rear entertainment system, catering to rear-seat passengers with large screens and wireless headphones, enhancing long-distance travel comfort.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class earned top marks in safety, being named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Noteworthy was the standard Exit Warning Assist, which alerted occupants of approaching cyclists or cars while parked. Additional features included Pre-Safe Sound, which mitigated the impact noise in crashes, and Predictive Brake Priming, ensuring quicker brake response in emergency situations.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package offered a head-up warning system. Standard safety features included a rearview camera (upgraded to a surround-view camera in the Advance Package) and multiple airbags. The MDX’s Next-Generation ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb and redirect crash energy, enhancing occupant safety. The IIHS rated the MDX highly in most categories, and the NHTSA bestowed its highest overall safety rating.