2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$51,200 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the practical Acura MDX and the sleeker Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize space and outright power, or efficiency and curb appeal? The 2025 Acura MDX starts notably lower at $51,200 compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's $59,650 MSRP, saving you $8,450 upfront. Power swings in favor of the MDX, offering 290 hp versus the GLC Coupe’s 255 hp, although the Benz counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG against the Acura’s 22 combined MPG. The GLC Coupe is also more efficient on the highway, hitting 31 MPG versus the MDX's 26 MPG. Despite its sleeker profile, the Mercedes manages slightly more cargo space at 19.2 cu ft versus the MDX's 18.1 cu ft, but the MDX is significantly larger overall at 198.4 inches long.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe wins for commuters due to its better 26 combined MPG and more maneuverable smaller footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX is the better family choice, offering a larger 198.4-inch length and a slightly higher 290 hp output.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX appeals more to driving enthusiasts because it produces significantly more horsepower at 290 hp compared to the GLC Coupe’s 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX offers significantly better initial value, boasting an MSRP that is $8,450 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You need the extra utility from a slightly larger vehicle, measuring 198.4 inches long.
You prefer the feeling of higher output, as the MDX delivers 290 hp versus 255 hp.
Saving $8,450 on the initial purchase price is a major factor in your decision.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

Maximizing fuel stops is key, given the 4 MPG advantage in combined mileage (26 MPG vs 22 MPG).
You prefer the standard assurance of All-Wheel Drive for various road conditions.
You desire the slightly larger cargo area of 19.2 cu ft in a more compact package.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Mercedes-Benz GLC 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.	57.3 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

How much more efficient is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe than the 2025 Acura MDX?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is noticeably more fuel-efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Acura MDX's 22 combined MPG. This translates to better highway mileage, with the GLC Coupe hitting 31 MPG versus the MDX’s 26 MPG.

Which vehicle has more raw power for acceleration?

The 2025 Acura MDX has the edge in peak power, generating 290 hp from its engine. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe offers less horsepower at 255 hp, though it counters with slightly more torque at 295 lb-ft.

Is the extra cost of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe justified by its features?

The GLC Coupe costs $59,650 MSRP, which is $8,450 more than the MDX’s $51,200. While it is more efficient and standard AWD, you pay a premium over the Acura’s greater horsepower.

Do these vehicles require the same type of gasoline?

No, they have different fuel requirements; the 2025 Acura MDX recommends premium unleaded, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe strictly requires premium unleaded fuel.

Which crossover offers more usable space for hauling cargo?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe technically holds more cargo space, providing 19.2 cu ft behind the rear seats. However, the 2025 Acura MDX is significantly larger overall in exterior dimensions (198.4 inches long vs 187.6 inches long).

What is the difference in size between the two crossovers?

The Acura MDX is substantially larger, measuring 198.4 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width, and 67.9 inches in height. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is more compact in every dimension to aid maneuverability.