2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$34,300 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (starting at $34,300) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (starting at $49,250) often boils down to prioritizing budget versus badge appeal. That massive $14,950 price gap is the single biggest hurdle. The Santa Fe packs a solid punch with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, easily outgunning the GLC-Class's 255 hp. However, the smaller GLC-Class offers better fuel economy, achieving a combined 27 MPG on premium fuel, compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG on regular unleaded. While the Santa Fe is longer at 190.2 inches, the Mercedes offers a significantly larger cargo area at 21.9 cu ft versus the Hyundai's 14.6 cu ft. If sheer space and upfront power matter most, the Santa Fe leads, but the efficiency and luxury focus of the GLC-Class are undeniable.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior 27 combined MPG and smoother 9-speed automatic transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Despite the Santa Fe being longer, the GLC-Class offers substantially more utility with 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe appeals more to power enthusiasts with its higher output of 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is the clear value choice, saving buyers $14,950 upfront while delivering superior horsepower figures.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You need the most horsepower possible, as the Santa Fe offers 277 hp.
You want to save $14,950 on the initial purchase price compared to the GLC-Class.
You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium fuel.

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

Maximum cargo space is essential, given the GLC-Class offers 21.9 cu ft.
Fuel efficiency is a top priority, as the GLC achieves 27 combined MPG.
You prefer the traditional feel of a 9-speed automatic transmission over an automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	190.2"	185.7"
Width	74.8"	74.4"
Height	67.7"	64.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	113.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	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	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speaker System	—	5
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
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	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	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	235/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

How does the fuel requirement impact the long-term cost difference between these two crossovers?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel, which is generally more expensive than the regular unleaded required by the Santa Fe. While the GLC gets better mileage (27 combined MPG vs. 24 combined MPG), the difference in fuel cost might negate some of that MPG advantage over time.

Is the 2025 Santa Fe significantly larger for carrying passengers or items?

The Santa Fe is physically longer (190.2 inches vs. 185.7 inches) and taller, suggesting more interior volume, but the provided cargo data shows the GLC-Class is much more efficient in packaging, offering 21.9 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft in the trunk.

Which car is faster based on the provided engine statistics?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is statistically faster, producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is 22 more horsepower than the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's 255 hp.

What does the difference in drivetrain mean for everyday driving?

The standard setup on the Santa Fe is front-wheel drive (FWD), while the GLC-Class comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD). RWD often provides a sportier feel, whereas FWD is generally preferred for predictability in low-traction commuter conditions.

Why is the price difference between the two vehicles nearly $15,000?

The $14,950 price gap primarily reflects the difference in brand positioning, where the GLC-Class carries the premium cachet of Mercedes-Benz, whereas the Santa Fe offers high output and space at a budget-friendly MSRP of $34,300.

Does the transmission type favor one vehicle for driving comfort?

The GLC-Class uses a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic, often favored for smooth, predictable shifts during routine driving. The Santa Fe uses an 8-speed automated manual, which can sometimes exhibit different shift characteristics than a conventional automatic.