2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Comparison Overview
The primary disparity between the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is cost, with the GLC commanding a $19,450 higher MSRP at $49,550 compared to the CR-V's $30,100 entry point. Performance metrics heavily favor the Mercedes, which generates 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. This power translates to a trade-off in efficiency; the CR-V achieves a 30 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded, while the GLC delivers 27 MPG combined requiring premium fuel. Cargo space is another key divergence, where the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft, far surpassing the GLC's 21.9 cu ft. While the CR-V is slightly shorter at 184.8 inches versus 185.7 inches, the GLC is 1.6 inches lower in height.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined rating and lower operating cost utilizing regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is better suited for families, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC appeals more to driving enthusiasts, delivering substantially more power with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides significantly greater overall value with a $19,450 lower MSRP and better fuel economy.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Your budget ceiling is near $30,100, as the MSRP is $19,450 less than the competitor.
- You prioritize usable storage, benefitting from 39.3 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You seek lower running expenses by using regular unleaded gasoline and achieving 30 MPG combined.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...
- Maximum performance is a requirement, highlighted by the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the engineering of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- Rear-Wheel Drive architecture is preferred over the CR-V's standard Front Wheel Drive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 185.7" |
| Width | 73.5" | 74.4" |
| Height | 66.2" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 113.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 417.6/556.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | โ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 5 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Subwoofer Count | โ | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Moonroof Type | โ | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | โ |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
| Driver Seat Heating | โ | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | โ | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | โ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | โ | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | โ | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | โ | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is 65 hp and 116 lb-ft more than the Honda CR-V's output. This results in the GLC having a distinct performance advantage in acceleration tests.
How do the fuel requirements and efficiency metrics compare?
The CR-V is more efficient at 30 MPG combined and runs on regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the GLC is rated at 27 MPG combined and mandates the use of premium unleaded gasoline, increasing operational costs.
Which crossover offers more interior space for cargo?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is the significantly better choice for hauling cargo, offering 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC provides only 21.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Is there a noticeable difference in physical size between these two crossovers?
Dimensions are very similar, though the GLC is slightly longer at 185.7 inches compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. The CR-V is notably taller at 66.2 inches versus the GLC's 64.6 inches.
How much is the price difference for buyers choosing between these two models?
The pricing gap is substantial; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC has an MSRP of $49,550, which is $19,450 more expensive than the 2025 Honda CR-V's starting price of $30,100.
Do the transmissions differ significantly?
Yes, the CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), whereas the GLC employs a more performance-oriented 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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