2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$31,695 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the MSRP, with the GLC commanding $49,550 versus the Bronco Sport's $31,695—a difference of $17,855. Performance metrics heavily favor the Mercedes, which delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Bronco Sport excels in packaging, offering 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLC's 21.9 cubic feet. Both vehicles achieve an identical 27 combined MPG, although the GLC mandates premium fuel while the Bronco Sport uses regular unleaded. Furthermore, the Bronco Sport is notably taller at 70.2 inches, suggesting better ground clearance, whereas the GLC is substantially longer at 185.7 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $31,695 and requirement for regular unleaded fuel, lowering running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport provides superior utility with 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a substantial performance advantage over Car 1's 181 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport offers substantial capability and utility for $17,855 less than the starting price of the GLC.

Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...

Your budget is firmly under $35,000, as the MSRP is $31,695.
Maximum interior utility is crucial, evidenced by its 32.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer lower operational costs by using regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

Superior outright power is required, with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque available.
You prioritize overall length, as the 185.7-inch body likely offers better stability.
A 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the 8-speed unit in the competitor.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco Sport	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	172.7"	185.7"
Width	74.3"	74.4"
Height	70.2"	64.6"
Wheelbase	105.1"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	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	✓	✓
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
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	181 hp @ 6000 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/30 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	400.0/480.0 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	5
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	41.7 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Ford	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	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers significantly higher output with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts sharply with the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, creating a substantial 74 hp difference.

How do the fuel economy and fuel requirements compare for these crossovers?

Both vehicles achieve an identical 27 combined MPG rating. However, the Bronco Sport uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the more powerful GLC mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers better usable space for cargo?

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner in cargo volume, offering 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC provides noticeably less storage space at 21.9 cubic feet.

Is there a significant difference in physical size or footprint between the two models?

Yes, the GLC is substantially longer at 185.7 inches compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches. Conversely, the Bronco Sport is noticeably taller, measuring 70.2 inches high against the GLC's 64.6 inches.

What is the magnitude of the difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?

The price differential is substantial, with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC starting at $49,550. This makes the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport significantly more accessible at $31,695, representing a $17,855 savings.

Does the drivetrain configuration differ between the two crossovers?

Yes, the standard setup for the base 2025 Bronco Sport is all-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC starts with rear-wheel drive and utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission.