2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is in powertrain output, with the RDX delivering 51 more horsepower (272 hp vs. 221 hp) and 22 lb-ft more torque (280 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft). This performance deficit in the GLB is counterbalanced by substantial fuel economy gains; the GLB achieves 28 MPG combined compared to the RDX's 23 MPG combined, representing a 5 MPG advantage. Pricing is competitive, with the GLB holding a $900 MSRP advantage at $43,800 versus the RDX's $44,700. However, the RDX features standard all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the GLB employs front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automated manual. Dimensionally, the RDX is 5.0 inches longer (187.4 in vs. 182.4 in) but offers significantly more cargo volume at 29.5 cubic feet compared to the GLB's 22.0 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Maximizing engine power and torque output (272 hp/280 lb-ft) is a top priority.
- Requiring a standard all-wheel drive system for varied road conditions.
- Needing the maximum available cargo space of 29.5 cubic feet.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- Achieving the highest possible fuel economy (28 combined MPG) is essential for running costs.
- Preferring the brand positioning or design language of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
- Operating primarily in front-wheel drive environments and desiring the lower base MSRP of $43,800.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 182.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 65.7" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 111.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
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 RDX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
How much does the required premium fuel impact the total operating cost difference?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB's 5 MPG advantage will result in fewer trips to the pump, offsetting the potentially higher cost of premium unleaded fuel required by both models.
Does the RDX's larger size translate to more passenger room?
Based solely on the data provided, the 2025 Acura RDX is 5.0 inches longer, but specific interior passenger volume figures are not available to confirm superior cabin comfort over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
What is the difference in transmission architecture between these two crossovers?
The Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission, suggesting different driving feel characteristics.
Which vehicle has a greater dynamic advantage due to its drivetrain?
The 2025 Acura RDX features standard all-wheel drive, which typically offers greater traction and stability compared to the front-wheel drive standard configuration of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
How significant is the MSRP difference if optioning for AWD on the GLB?
The base MSRP gap is $900 in favor of the GLB, but this figure does not account for adding an all-wheel drive option to the GLB, which would narrow or eliminate its initial price advantage over the RDX.
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