2025 GMC Acadia vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$42,900 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 GMC Acadia bursts onto the scene with brute strength, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, promising assertive acceleration for the family hauler segment, despite its 20/27 MPG city/highway rating. In stark contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers refined efficiency, sipping premium fuel for a superior 27 MPG combined rating, though its 255 hp engine feels comparatively restrained. The Acadia offers tangible size advantages, measuring 204.0 inches long, eclipsing the smaller GLC’s 185.7 inches, which translates to slightly more inherent cargo space at 23 cu ft versus 21.9 cu ft. The $6,350 MSRP gap is significant, making the powerful Acadia a value proposition against the luxury focus of the GLC. While the Acadia prioritizes American muscle and passenger room, the GLC leans into meticulous engineering and fuel frugality for the discerning urban driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the superior commuter due to its higher fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Acadia's 23 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia wins for families by offering a significantly longer body at 204.0 inches, implying greater passenger and cargo versatility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

Enthusiasts seeking raw power will prefer the Acadia's dominating output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque over the GLC's figures.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia provides substantially more horsepower (73 hp more) for a $6,350 lower starting MSRP compared to the GLC-Class.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You prioritize straight-line performance, leveraging the 328 hp engine over efficiency.
Your budget is tighter, as the Acadia starts at $42,900 compared to the GLC's $49,250.
You need maximum size, benefiting from the Acadia's 204.0-inch length for easier hauling.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...

Your driving involves heavy mileage, appreciating the GLC's superior 32 MPG highway fuel economy.
You require the refinement of premium unleaded fuel compatibility combined with rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Maneuverability in tight urban spaces is critical, given the GLC's shorter overall length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	204.0"	185.7"
Width	79.6"	74.4"
Height	70.1"	64.6"
Wheelbase	120.9"	113.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	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 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 Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	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	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	GMC	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)	0/0 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	15.0 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	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 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 Height Adjustment	✓	✓
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 Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	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 GMC Acadia and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Is the power difference between the Acadia and the GLC significant for daily driving?

Yes, the 2025 Acadia offers 73 more horsepower (328 hp vs 255 hp) and more torque (326 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft), suggesting the Acadia will feel notably quicker when merging or climbing hills.

Which vehicle has better long-term fuel costs, considering the fuel requirements?

The GLC-Class is better on pure efficiency with 27 MPG combined, but its requirement for premium unleaded fuel might negate some savings compared to the Acadia's regular unleaded requirement.

How does the size disparity affect cargo hauling?

The GMC Acadia is substantially longer at 204.0 inches compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches, providing a slight edge in stated cargo capacity at 23 cubic feet versus 21.9 cubic feet.

What is the primary trade-off when choosing the more affordable Acadia?

The primary trade-off is efficiency and possibly prestige; you save $6,350 on the entry price but give up 4 MPG combined efficiency and the badge associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Does the drive type (FWD vs RWD) matter in these crossovers?

The Acadia comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), whereas the GLC features Rear Wheel Drive (RWD); RWD often provides a more balanced handling feel favored by driving enthusiasts.

Is the automatic transmission on the GLC inherently better because it has more gears?

The GLC utilizes a 9-speed automatic while the Acadia uses an 8-speed; while more gears can slightly improve cruising efficiency, both are shiftable automatics designed for smooth operation.