2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between practical electrification and luxury performance is tough, especially when the price gap is substantial. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at a compelling $39,730, significantly undercutting the $49,250 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class by $9,520. The Tucson offers a massive efficiency advantage, delivering 35 MPG combined versus the Mercedes’ 27 MPG combined, though the Tucson's electric-only range stands at 32 miles. Performance-wise, the Tucson leads slightly with 268 horsepower compared to the GLC's 255 hp, but the GLC counters with more torque at 295 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Tucson offers substantially more utility, boasting 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while the luxury-focused GLC provides only 21.9 cubic feet. For budget-conscious drivers needing day-to-day efficiency and space, the Tucson is the pragmatic choice.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers a superior 32-mile electric range and better overall fuel economy (35 MPG combined) for lower running costs.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson provides significantly more usable space with 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLC appeals more to enthusiasts due to its higher 295 lb-ft of torque, despite having less peak horsepower.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson saves the buyer $9,520 upfront while providing better fuel efficiency and more power.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize saving money, given the $9,520 MSRP difference.
- Your daily commute is easily covered by the 32 miles of pure electric range.
- You need maximum utility, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...
- You require the elevated driving dynamics associated with premium branding and standard RWD architecture.
- You prefer slightly higher torque (295 lb-ft) for responsive passing power.
- You are willing to pay more and use premium unleaded fuel for a luxury interior experience.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 185.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.4" |
| Height | 66.3" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 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 | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 417.6/556.8 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 80/73 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 77 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 32 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 44 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 5 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | — |
| 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 | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
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 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 62000 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
How much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz GLC compared to the Tucson PHEV?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has an MSRP of $49,250, making it $9,520 more expensive than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, which starts at $39,730.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for long highway trips?
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is more efficient overall, boasting a combined 35 MPG, compared to the GLC's 27 MPG combined. However, the GLC gets slightly better highway mileage at 32 MPG versus the Tucson's 35 MPG combined figure.
Does the Hyundai offer enough electric driving for my daily errands?
Yes, the Tucson PHEV provides 32 miles of dedicated electric range, which should cover many daily commutes or errands before engaging the gasoline engine.
Which car has better performance metrics?
The Tucson has higher peak horsepower at 268 hp and the AWD system, but the GLC leads in torque with 295 lb-ft and utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Is there a big difference in cargo capacity between these two SUVs?
Absolutely; the Tucson offers 31.9 cubic feet of space, significantly more than the GLC-Class, which provides 21.9 cubic feet, making the Hyundai much more accommodating for large items.
Are there fuel type restrictions for either vehicle?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid runs on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded gasoline.
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