Small luxury utility vehicle popularity continues to rise, and the 2024 Acura RDX and 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC are two reasons why. They have the utility of an SUV with the effortless driveability of a sedan, plus the premium interior and engaging performance you expect from a luxury vehicle.
That said, there are some differences, so let’s examine them a little more closely.
2024 Acura RDX
The 2024 Acura RDX, with its athletic exterior, strikes a chord with buyers wanting a vehicle that’s beyond basic inside while providing a strong driving experience. Powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, the RDX enjoys plenty of go. The powerplant is connected to a 10-speed automatic and features standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
More precisely, it sports Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). When you upgrade to the Advance package, you get better performance. The boost in power gets to the wheels, and the rubber sticks to the road, making your everyday commuter car more fun on winding roads.
The comfort and convenience tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as some advanced driver safety technology. The RDX comes in trims starting with base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance packages. Pricing starts at $45,700, including destination charge.
Acura RDX Highlights
SH-AWD: Named Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, it distributes variable amounts of power to individual wheels to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency. And it’s standard on the RDX, but an extra $2K on the GLC.
Automatic climate control: Using a solar sensor to get outside information, this SUV’s GPS-linked climate control takes that info to control the vehicle’s interior temperature. It’s part of the Technology package.
Great audio: If your budget allows it, move up for the ELS audio system developed with Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for Beyoncé and Fleetwood Mac, among others. This excellent 16-speaker, 710-watt system comes in higher trim levels. A 12-speaker setup is part of the Technology package in the Acura RDX.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RDX models for sale near you.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC
While many may think of the E-Class or C-Class as the best-sellers for Mercedes, a little SUV leads the pack: the GLC. Loaded with luxury appointments and technology, the 2024 Mercedes GLC draws attention — and buyers.
After receiving an update last year, Mercedes continued the evolution by introducing AMG performance variants to the mix: the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E. The entry-level GLC 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mild hybrid, putting out 255 horsepower. However, move up to the AMG offerings, and you get an option of 416 horsepower through the GLC 43 or an impressive 671 horsepower with the GLC 63 S E plug-in hybrid. Moving up to the AMG lineup gets you AWD standard. Meanwhile, the Acura RDX only has one engine option.
The styling and power impress. Plus, Mercedes knows how to produce a world-class interior, and the GLC doesn’t disappoint. Pricing begins at $48,600, including destination fee.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Highlights
Infotainment: Mercedes-Benz User Experience is the full name of this user-friendly infotainment system. It recognizes voice commands to adjust cabin temperature, calculate a new navigation destination, or perform various other functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are also standard.
Parktronic: Standard across the 2024 GLC SUV range, this feature uses parking sensors front and rear, while the Active Park Assist will handle the steering when maneuvering into parallel spots.
4Matic: Otherwise known as all-wheel drive, this system is optional with the GLC 300 and standard in the new AMG models. It includes an off-road mode (although we wouldn’t suggest going too far into the wild) along with a “transparent hood” camera feature that lets drivers see the terrain around the front wheels.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLC models for sale near you.
Similarities
With attractive exteriors, plenty of technology, and proven powertrains, the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLC give small luxury SUV buyers great options starting under $50,000.
Conclusion
The value-conscious Acura RDX offers a big break — about $3,000 — on the starting price and a more powerful engine over the entry-level GLC. However, the sky is the limit with the small Benz, and that kind of customizability is tough to ignore. If you can get what you want from the less expensive RDX, it’s the way to go.
| 2024 Acura RDX | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
| Starting Price | $45,700 | $48,600 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic/AWD | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid/AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 inches | 113.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.4 inches | 185.7 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.4 inches |
| Height | 65.7 inches | 64.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.9 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 57.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.0 inches | 56.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.5 cubic feet | 21.9 cubic feet |
