2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

$51,200 · Crossover

$59,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between luxury crossovers often boils down to prioritizing practicality versus cutting-edge style, and that's exactly the decision facing buyers comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe. The MDX starts $8,100 cheaper at an MSRP of $51,200, offering 290 horsepower from its larger engine, though it trails the Mercedes in fuel economy by a notable 4 MPG combined (22 MPG vs. 26 MPG). While the GLC Coupe is significantly shorter at 187.6 inches compared to the MDX's 198.4 inches, the smaller Mercedes surprisingly squeezes out slightly more cargo space at 19.2 cu ft versus the Acura's 18.1 cu ft. If sheer space and muscle are key, the MDX leads, but if efficiency and maneuverability are paramount, the GLC presents a compelling, albeit pricier, argument.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

The Mercedes GLC wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and smaller overall footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura MDX

The larger Acura MDX, being 10.8 inches longer, inherently suggests more passenger comfort and easier third-row access if equipped, making it better for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX provides 35 more horsepower, boasting 290 hp compared to the Mercedes' 255 hp, offering a better straight-line performance edge.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins on value by having a significantly lower starting MSRP of $51,200 compared to the GLC Coupe's $59,300.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You need the most standard power, as the MDX delivers 290 hp.
You are trying to save approximately $8,100 on the initial purchase price.
You prioritize traditional, long-body SUV dimensions for maximum cabin presence.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, as the GLC delivers 26 combined MPG versus the MDX's 22 MPG.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability right from the base trim.
You need better tight-spot maneuverability given its 187.6-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
Length	198.4"	187.6"
Width	78.7"	74.4"
Height	67.9"	63.5"
Wheelbase	113.8"	113.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.

Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe cheaper to run than the Acura MDX?

Yes, the Mercedes GLC Coupe is generally cheaper to run day-to-day due to fuel savings, offering 26 combined MPG compared to the Acura MDX's 22 combined MPG. However, remember both recommend premium unleaded fuel.

How much more horsepower does the Acura MDX have over the Mercedes GLC Coupe?

The 2025 Acura MDX holds a clear advantage in raw power, producing 290 horsepower, which is 35 more than the Mercedes GLC Coupe's 255 horsepower output.

Which vehicle is larger overall?

The Acura MDX is significantly longer, measuring 198.4 inches in length compared to the GLC Coupe's 187.6 inches. Despite this, the smaller Mercedes surprisingly has 1.1 cubic feet more cargo capacity.

Do I have to use premium fuel in both SUVs?

Yes, both vehicles require premium fuel; however, the Acura MDX recommends it while the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe requires it for optimal performance.

What is the primary reason to choose the Acura MDX if I value budget?

The Acura MDX offers better immediate value because its starting MSRP of $51,200 undercuts the Mercedes GLC Coupe by a substantial $8,100 margin.

Is the standard drive type significantly different between the two models?

Yes, the base Acura MDX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe includes All-Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.