2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car featured SL trim, front-drive, the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Rogue’s age was more apparent. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms were older styling themes, and the plastic surfaces were unimpressive. However, the padded sides of the center console where drivers' legs might rest were a thoughtful touch.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, contrasting with the aggressive designs of many contemporary SUVs. The GLC’s long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing dash lines and a floating center touchscreen with rounded edges. Mercedes-Benz was moving towards larger screens and a minimalist approach, but the GLC’s interior design set a high bar for compact luxury SUV cabins.

The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles. The coupe’s sharp look came at the cost of usable space. Standard equipment on the entry-level GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, dual USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT did a good job of maximizing the available power, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg.

Dynamically, the Rogue improved in ride and handling, thanks to brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. These systems helped tuck the Rogue tighter into turns and smooth out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL, with its 19-inch wheels, wasn’t particularly fun to drive, suffering from lifeless and heavy steering, poor suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power was routed to the rear wheels or available 4MATIC AWD. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. Even in Comfort mode, the turbocharged engine provided ample power, with occasional lag when pulling away from a stop. The steering was soft but precise, and the GLC handled high-speed turns with confidence, striking a balance between refinement and responsiveness.

For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 featured a twin-turbo V8 with 469 horsepower, and the GLC63 S tuned to 503 horsepower. These AMG models delivered performance on par with sports cars from a few years ago.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though somewhat undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs and Quick Comfort heating. However, taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable seating position due to limited seat height adjustment. The back seat, on the other hand, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a high seating position with a great view, enhanced by the available panoramic sunroof. Rear passengers also benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports.

In-cabin storage was limited, with only the glove compartment offering significant space. However, the Rogue excelled in cargo volume, providing 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, along with underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe’s fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC’s cargo space was mid-pack for compact luxury SUVs, with the BMW X3 offering more. The GLC’s interior featured a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders, making good use of its space.

Rear-seat space in the GLC was adequate, with no need to slide the seats forward for legroom. The SUV provided plenty of headroom, though the Coupe’s low roofline reduced headroom. Overall, the GLC SUV was recommended over the Coupe for better space utilization.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. Subscription-based NissanConnect Services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote engine starting, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC’s radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus. Overall, the MBUX system was user-friendly and advanced.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. The parking sensors were overly sensitive, but could be deactivated. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.