2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a modern yet somewhat uninspired exterior design. It featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, reminiscent of the A-Class and CLS-Class models. The taillights housed square LEDs, but the overall look was considered bland from most angles, except head-on. The GLC 300, the mass-market model, lacked visual excitement, making alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX more appealing. However, the AMG versions added some flair with wide tires and a vertical-bar grille. The GLC Coupe's fastback roof offered a touch of style, but the beige paint and 18-inch wheels of the test car made it easy to lose in parking lots. Despite its exterior shortcomings, the GLC boasted one of the best interiors in the business, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and a new touchpad on the console, enhancing the user experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, felt dated despite updates in 2018. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, hinting at its age. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL audio system, and a DVD entertainment system. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate. The Sienna's Nightshade Edition added dark accents for those prioritizing style. Despite its dated feel, the Sienna provided a range of features across trims, catering to different needs and preferences.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered improved performance over previous models, though it still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, arriving in late 2019, featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 385 horsepower, delivering impressive power and sound. The AMG GLC 63 models boasted even more power with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, but the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower estimates. A plug-in hybrid GLC 350e was expected in 2020.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration and a Sport mode for improved throttle and shift response. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and was available with all-wheel drive (AWD) on all trims except the base L. The AWD option, however, limited seating to seven passengers. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive version returned the best fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions achieved slightly lower figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with modern Mercedes vehicles. The column shifter required taps for gear changes, and seat controls were located on the doors. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad for controlling various functions. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited to 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such capabilities.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX system with advanced features like augmented reality for navigation, using a windshield-mounted camera to overlay directional arrows and street names. The system included a cloud-based voice assistant, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports. Optional features included wireless device charging and an Off-Road Engineering Package for improved off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star rating in all crash tests. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars, warning occupants for up to 3 minutes after shutting down the car. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS in various crash tests.