2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes expected for the 2024 model year. Despite being an all-new car, the GLC 300's changes were subtle, with the most noticeable being its narrower taillights. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the first-generation GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. Its timeless, classy styling remained attractive, though some might have wished for a bit more personality to distinguish the new model from its predecessor.

Inside, the GLC received a significant update, aligning with newer Mercedes models. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen dominated the dashboard, complemented by a tablet-like instrument panel for the driver. The interior was modern and high-tech, maintaining excellent materials quality and solid construction. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX, the GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their exterior similarity, with a coupe-like roofline setting them apart. The first-generation interior aged well, offering some usability advantages over the newer sibling. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, while rivals leaned more into sport and technology.

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold visual statement with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl and exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, suggesting a design engineered for off-road capability.

The GX's interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality. While it featured some luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, the presence of plastic materials was disappointing for a luxury SUV. The GX's low sales volume meant Lexus needed to maintain easy manufacturing to justify its existence. Despite this, the GX offered a comfortable driving experience, with a hood that fell away from sight, making it easier to navigate technical driving. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, and its driving dynamics were surprisingly communicative, with strong and predictable brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in challenging conditions.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was initially available in the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, akin to an electric vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. While it provided ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's four-cylinder powertrain.

The GLC's brake pedal was slightly soft, but the brakes were effective and easy to modulate for smooth stops. The suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, yet the GLC cornered confidently. Future AMG models were expected to offer sportier handling. The GLC 300 delivered a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a sportier character and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, offering a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was pressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying driving experience for some. However, its 6,500-pound towing capacity was less impressive compared to other SUVs, and its fuel economy was poor, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX's weight affected its handling, with noticeable roll through corners, but it remained predictable and controllable. Despite its age, Lexus improved the GX's driving dynamics, offering communicative road feel and strong, predictable brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options, featuring synthetic leather upholstery that convincingly mimicked genuine hides. Real leather was available for smoother surfaces. The GLC provided sufficient storage for personal items, with a large center console bin, wireless charging pad, and cupholders. However, the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints, making alternate trim choices preferable. The GLC had well-sized door pockets and an additional bin under the center armrest.

The GLC's front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably. Headroom was slightly limited for taller occupants, but legroom was abundant. An optional panoramic sunroof was available on all GLC 300 trims. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, smaller than some rivals but adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat to accommodate larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and a convenient space for a phone. Cupholders were placed side-by-side between the front seats, and two USB-A ports were available in the forward cubby. The GX featured hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend of haptic-touch interfaces, which was appreciated by those who preferred physical controls. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, accommodating drivers and passengers of different sizes.

The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs featuring fold-out cupholders. A three-across bench seat was standard, with cupholders in a fold-down center armrest. Legroom was sufficient for most passengers, and headroom was excellent. The third row, however, was too tight for regular use, suitable only for emergencies. The GX's trunk had a side-hinged door, requiring effort to open, and offered limited cargo space. With the third row folded, the GX provided 46.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with a large 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The previous generation had a smaller screen mounted higher, with a trackpad for easier control. The new GLC retained a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, but its sensitivity made it frustrating to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted music or podcasts.

The new infotainment system performed well but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons for audio and climate controls. The older layout and system were available with the less practical Coupe body style. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, revamped for 2022, already appeared dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was a significant improvement, sitting high on the dash and offering integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote, a remote-start feature, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo on the Luxury trim.

However, the GX's tech offerings lagged behind newer Lexus models, with a touchscreen that lacked crisp graphics and responsiveness. The GX's strength lay in its off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, two-speed transfer case, low range, and locking center differential. Additional driving-focused technology included downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The GX also featured the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for leveling the vehicle in various driving conditions. The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available from NHTSA or IIHS, but Mercedes' history suggested strong scores. The previous GLC received a five-star rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick designation. Standard safety features for the new GLC 300 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year, and structural safety had improved since then. Despite this, Toyota and Lexus equipped the GX with advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, the GX's safety technology was significantly newer than its body design.