2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$57,400 · SUV

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a full-size powerhouse like the 2025 Ford Expedition and a sleek luxury compact like the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe presents a major dilemma: do you prioritize sheer capability or efficiency and urban finesse? The Expedition offers substantially more grunt, boasting 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, necessary for towing or hauling large groups, but this comes at the cost of fuel economy, managing only 18 combined MPG. Conversely, the GLC Coupe excels on paper fuel-wise, achieving 26 combined MPG, thanks to its smaller frame and 255 hp engine. While the Expedition starts lower at an MSRP of $57,400 compared to the Mercedes' $59,650, buyers must weigh the need for maximum space and power against the daily savings provided by the 8 MPG advantage the GLC Coupe holds. This comparison really boils down to size and mission.

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 superior 26 combined MPG efficiency compared to the Expedition's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Expedition

The 2025 Ford Expedition is the better family choice, as it inherently offers significantly more passenger and cargo space, despite the MPG sacrifice.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Expedition

The Expedition appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its massive advantage of 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque versus the GLC Coupe's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Despite a slightly higher starting MSRP of $59,650, the GLC Coupe offers better long-term value through drastically better fuel economy and lower running costs.

Choose the Ford Expedition if...

You need maximum power, indicated by the 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque figures.
You regularly haul large amounts of gear, benefiting from the Expedition's full-size SUV platform.
You prefer the security of standard Four Wheel Drive on your primary vehicle.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

Fuel savings are critical, leveraging the 26 combined MPG versus the Expedition's 18 MPG.
You primarily drive in urban settings where the smaller dimensions are easier to manage.
You desire a luxury badge starting at a slightly lower base MSRP of $59,650.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Expedition	Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Length	-	187.6"
Width	-	74.4"
Height	-	63.5"
Wheelbase	-	113.7"

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	✓	✓
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	400 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	480 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	24.0 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Video Monitor	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Front Head Room	—	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	—	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	57.3 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Terrain	All Season
Tire Size	P265/70R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 Expedition and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

How much bigger is the 2025 Ford Expedition compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe?

While specific dimensions aren't fully provided for the Expedition, the GLC Coupe is quite compact at 187.6 inches long. As a traditional full-size SUV, the Expedition will be substantially longer and wider, making it better for overall capacity but harder to park.

Is the fuel economy difference significant enough to worry about?

Yes, the difference is very noticeable; the GLC Coupe achieves 26 combined MPG, while the Expedition only manages 18 combined MPG. This 8 MPG gap translates directly into higher weekly fuel expenditures for Expedition owners, especially if using premium fuel.

Which vehicle is better for city driving and parking?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is designed for easier maneuvering in tight spaces given its smaller crossover footprint, whereas the Expedition's size makes navigating crowded city streets and parking garages a challenge.

Which SUV has better acceleration performance?

The 2025 Ford Expedition dominates in outright performance metrics, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, far outpacing the GLC Coupe's 255 horsepower.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, but with a slight nuance; the Expedition recommends premium unleaded for its 400 hp engine, while the GLC Coupe explicitly requires premium unleaded to achieve its rated performance.

How does the cargo situation compare?

The GLC Coupe lists a maximum cargo capacity of 19.2 cu ft, which is quite limited for a modern crossover. The Ford Expedition, being a large SUV, will offer significantly more cargo volume, making it better suited for road trips and large hauls.