2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$34,300 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the practical, spacious 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the premium, efficient 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC often boils down to budget versus badge. Buyers often hesitate when facing a significant $15,250 MSRP gap, with the Santa Fe starting at $34,300 while the GLC begins at $49,550. The Hyundai leads on raw output, boasting 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, versus the Mercedes' 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the GLC claws back points with efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG on required premium fuel, slightly better than the Santa Fe’s 24 combined MPG using regular unleaded. Size is another key factor: the Santa Fe is substantially longer at 190.2 inches compared to the GLC’s 185.7 inches, though interestingly, the smaller GLC offers superior cargo room at 21.9 cu ft versus the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC offers better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG and uses a smoother 9-speed automatic transmission suitable for stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

Despite having less listed cargo room (14.6 cu ft vs 21.9 cu ft), the Santa Fe’s lower MSRP makes it the significantly more budget-conscious choice for growing families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers superior acceleration potential with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLC’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The $15,250 lower MSRP of the Santa Fe provides a substantially better overall proposition when comparing base pricing.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize raw power, as the Santa Fe delivers 277 horsepower.
You want to avoid premium fuel costs, since the Santa Fe only requires regular unleaded.
You need the larger overall footprint, with the Santa Fe measuring 190.2 inches in length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

You prefer a marginally more efficient vehicle, with the GLC achieving 32 highway MPG.
You value greater usable storage, given the GLC boasts 21.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You prefer a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup combined with a smoother 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	190.2"	185.7"
Width	74.8"	74.4"
Height	67.7"	64.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	113.1"

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

What is the main financial difference between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 GLC?

The MSRP is the biggest barrier; the Mercedes-Benz GLC starts at $49,550, resulting in a substantial $15,250 premium over the Hyundai Santa Fe's starting price of $34,300.

Which crossover is quicker off the line based on horsepower ratings?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the more powerful option, generating 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

Does the smaller Mercedes GLC offer more usable space than the longer Santa Fe?

Surprisingly, yes; the GLC provides 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft, despite the Santa Fe being about 4.5 inches longer overall.

Is there a major difference in fuel requirements or mileage between these two models?

Yes, the GLC requires premium unleaded and achieves 27 combined MPG, whereas the Santa Fe uses regular unleaded and is rated slightly lower at 24 combined MPG.

Do these crossovers share the same drivetrain configuration?

No, the standard configuration for the Santa Fe is front-wheel drive (FWD) paired with an 8-speed automated manual, while the GLC features rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 9-speed shiftable automatic.