2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura RDX injects excitement with a potent 272 horsepower shove, promising immediate engagement compared to the subtly more efficient 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Acura commands the power game, delivering 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque through its 10-speed automatic, while the Mercedes counters with superior fuel economy, netting 27 MPG combined against the RDX's 23 MPG combined. Design language aside, the financial commitment is notably different; the RDX enters the fray at $44,700, significantly undercutting the GLC’s $49,550 sticker price by $4,850. Furthermore, the RDX offers more room to haul gear, boasting 29.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLC’s 21.9 cu ft. While both utilize premium fuel, the GLC’s focus on efficiency—hitting 32 MPG highway—balances its slightly lower 255 hp output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The GLC's 32 MPG highway and lower running costs make it the pragmatic choice for the daily grind.
2025 Acura RDX
With 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the RDX easily accommodates family gear over the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX clearly wins the raw power metric, featuring 272 horsepower versus the GLC's 255 hp.
2025 Acura RDX
Saving $4,850 upfront while offering greater horsepower and substantially more cargo volume provides superior upfront value.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Maximum immediate performance (272 hp) is prioritized over maximizing fuel savings.
- A budget closer to $44,700 is critical for the purchase.
- Need the utility afforded by 29.5 cubic feet of usable cargo space.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...
- Obtaining the best possible fuel economy (27 MPG combined) is essential for long-term costs.
- Prefer the handling characteristics inherent in a rear-wheel-drive-based platform.
- Desire the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge, despite the higher $49,550 MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 185.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.4" |
| Height | 65.7" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 113.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear 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 | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 417.6/556.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 17.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 5 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 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 | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 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 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 GLC.
How does the driving feel differ given the drive layout discrepancy?
The 2025 Acura RDX utilizes AWD, excellent for consistent grip, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC defaults to RWD, suggesting a more traditionally balanced, engaging handling feel from the driver's seat.
Is the lower horsepower of the GLC offset by its torque?
The GLC actually produces more torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the RDX’s 280 lb-ft, which might translate to stronger initial pulling power despite its lower peak horsepower rating of 255 hp.
What is the real-world cost impact of the MPG difference?
Spending $4,850 more initially for the GLC costs more, but the 4 MPG combined efficiency gain (27 vs. 23 MPG) will partially mitigate that difference over several years of ownership.
Which vehicle has the more modern-feeling transmission?
The RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting more closely spaced gears for optimized performance, whereas the GLC uses a 9-speed unit.
Do both crossovers mandate the use of premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC requires premium unleaded for operation.
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