2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Comparison Overview
Deciding between space and prestige in a crossover often leaves buyers scratching their heads. If your primary concern is maximizing interior room while keeping running costs lower, the 2025 Buick Enclave presents a compelling case against the premium offering of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Enclave boasts a substantial length of 207.6 inches, translating to more room, though its standard FWD setup lags behind the GLC's dynamic RWD architecture. Performance is another major split: the Buick offers significantly more muscle with 328 hp compared to the GLC's 255 hp. However, that power comes at an efficiency cost, as the Enclave nets only 23 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the smaller Mercedes achieves 27 MPG combined, although it requires more expensive premium fuel. Balancing the $45,100 MSRP of the Enclave against the GLC’s $49,550 sticker price highlights where your budget priorities lie.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined efficiency rating and smaller footprint (185.7 inches long) which aids in city maneuverability.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave offers greater overall bulk, measured at 207.6 inches long and likely providing superior passenger comfort and slightly more cargo space (22.9 cu ft).
2025 Buick Enclave
The Enclave delivers significantly more immediate output with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, clearly outpacing the GLC's output of 255 hp.
2025 Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave starts at a lower MSRP of $45,100, offering considerably more horsepower for $4,450 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- You prioritize raw power, as the Buick Enclave delivers 328 hp, significantly more than the GLC's 255 hp.
- You need maximum size, as the Enclave is nearly 12 inches longer (207.6 inches vs. 185.7 inches).
- You want to save upfront, with the Enclave's base MSRP starting at $45,100.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the GLC achieves 27 MPG combined versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.
- You prefer a more premium, dynamic drive, evidenced by the standard Rear Wheel Drive architecture.
- You are willing to pay a premium price ($49,550) for a more prestigious badge and slightly better city/highway mileage splits (24/32 MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 185.7" |
| Width | 79.6" | 74.4" |
| Height | 71.0" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 113.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 417.6/556.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | 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 | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 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 | 6-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-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 | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Is the 2025 Buick Enclave significantly larger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Yes, the difference is noticeable; the Buick Enclave measures 207.6 inches in length, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC is substantially shorter at 185.7 inches. This roughly 22-inch difference translates directly to more interior passenger and cargo volume.
Which vehicle has the better fuel economy, and what about fuel type?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is more efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the Enclave’s 23 MPG combined. However, be aware that the GLC requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Enclave runs on regular unleaded.
If I prioritize power, which crossover should I choose?
The 2025 Buick Enclave clearly wins the performance battle, offering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial advantage over the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
How much money do I save upfront by picking the Buick?
You save exactly $4,450 on the starting price, as the 2025 Buick Enclave MSRP begins at $45,100 compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MSRP of $49,550.
Does the standard drivetrain affect my choice?
They use different base setups; the Buick Enclave comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the Mercedes-Benz GLC is equipped with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD). Enthusiasts often prefer the RWD balance offered by the GLC.
Is the cargo capacity difference between these two large crossovers significant?
The cargo difference is minimal; the Buick Enclave offers 22.9 cu ft while the GLC offers 21.9 cu ft. Given the larger overall size of the Buick, you might expect a wider margin here.
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