For 2021 Significant exterior and interior update.Completely revised powertrain lineup, including a newly available hybrid.New range-topping Calligraphy trim.
Pros Abundant standard features for the money Generous warranty coverage Smooth operation of advanced driver aids Quick acceleration from available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine
Cons Overly soft suspension tuning dilutes driver enjoyment 10.25-inch touchscreen can be a bit slow to respond
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe makes premium gains with hybrid and turbo-4 power and a Palisade-like interior.
Pros Larger standard and available touchscreens Hybrid models Potent powertrains Revised transmission Luxe Calligraphy edition
Cons Moderate base-engine power Middling fuel economy (except Hybrid) Busy body
The Santa Fe receives a visual freshening for 2021 that includes bolder front-end styling and improvements to its interior. Three new powertrains are offered: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the standard 2.4-liter unit, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, and a hybrid variant powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor joins the lineup.
Pros Relative bargain compared to rivals, relaxed demeanor, nicely-equipped cabin.
Cons Nonhybrid models could be more fuel efficient, tight rear seat headroom, no third-row option.
Minor changes to standard feature availability, V8 models dropped for 2022.
Pros Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver Elegant design gives it a true luxury appearance Roomy seating for a small luxury SUV Solid fuel economy from the standard four-cylinder engine
Cons Less cargo space and towing capacity than competition
The GLC63 S model joins the lineup for 2022. The GLC63 S brings the 503-hp version of the twin-turbo V-8, previously reserved only for the GLC Coupe, to the more practical squareback body style this year. However, Mercedes-AMG has also told Car and Driver that certain 2022 models normally offered with V-8 engines will not be available. The GLC63 and GLC63 S models may be impacted by this change to the lineup, but representatives from Mercedes-AMG would not comment or confirm that information by press time.
Pros A trio of high-performance engine options, agile handling, deluxe cabin.
Cons Some rivals offer more cargo space, pronounced road noise when cruising, rough ride over imperfect pavement.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's #1 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a score of 8.4 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 43 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Refined cabin quality Strong twin-turbocharged engine options Composed handling High-tech infotainment system
Cons High base price for the class Cramped rear headroom and unimpressive cargo space in coupe body style
