2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GV70 ranks high on our list of small luxury SUVs for its powerful and flexible powertrains, ample features and solid value. It starts at a lower base price than the GLC 300 and offers more power in its base trim and a better warranty. All-wheel drive is standard on the GV70 as is the feeling of pride you'll get for knowing that you bought an SUV with most of the luxury, performance and tech you'll find elsewhere at a lower cost. Did we mention that it also has more cargo room behind the rear seats than the GLC?

Available in front- and all-wheel drive, the RDX represents a lower tier of luxury than the GLC. It's upscale, sure, but it lacks the posh, highly finished interior trim that makes the GLC one of the top luxury contenders. The RDX offers more power from its four-cylinder than the GLC does in base trim, but that is the only engine available. Perhaps the RDX's biggest strength is that, like all vehicles from Honda, it uses its space well. And it exceeds the GLC's interior storage space behind the rear seats by about 9 cubic feet. That's a difference that matters.

The subtle appeal of BMW's X3 is more evident the more time you spend in it. Certainly it's not flashy — a spartan, if clean and well-executed interior is evident. But it lacks the visual theater that's on display everywhere in the GLC. The X3 is about the same size as the GLC inside. And it comes with a base engine — a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder — that's similar in power to the Benz's base engine. A more powerful turbocharged inline-six is also available. All-wheel drive is available with both engines. The X3 might be the competitor that's most like the GLC, so give it a look if you're interested in a different flavor German SUV.