2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$39,730 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene with 268 hp and an appealing starting MSRP of $39,730, immediately offering electrifying efficiency. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC exudes undeniable luxury, demanding $49,550 while delivering a punchy 295 lb-ft of torque from its premium fuel engine. The Tucson's game-changing 32 miles of electric range significantly lowers running costs compared to the GLC's conventional efficiency, netting the Hyundai a superb 35 combined MPG versus the Mercedes’ 27 combined MPG. While the GLC boasts slightly more torque and a refined RWD platform, the Tucson counter-punches with a massive $9,820 lower entry price and nearly 10 cubic feet more cargo space at 31.9 cu ft. For buyers prioritizing usable, efficient versatility alongside affordability, the Tucson pulls ahead significantly.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers 32 miles of pure electric range, making short daily commutes potentially emission-free and fuel-saving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson provides substantially more practicality with 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC appeals more to driving purists with its higher 295 lb-ft of torque and standard rear-wheel-drive dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Hyundai undercuts the Mercedes by $9,820 and achieves 8 MPG better fuel economy, delivering superior ownership economics.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You must keep the initial purchase price under $40,000, as the MSRP starts at $39,730.
Maximizing utility is crucial, given its 31.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire plug-in capability to cover daily errands using only 32 miles of electric range.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

You require the higher torque figure of 295 lb-ft for immediate responsiveness.
A premium, luxury brand image and rear-wheel-drive configuration are top priorities.
You plan on using premium unleaded fuel and prioritize the sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	182.7"	185.7"
Width	73.4"	74.4"
Height	66.3"	64.6"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Tucson PHEV and the 2026 GLC?

The MSRP difference is substantial, with the Tucson starting at $39,730 while the GLC begins at $49,550, creating a nearly $10,000 price gap. Furthermore, the Tucson uses regular unleaded fuel, while the GLC mandates pricier premium fuel.

How much better is the Tucson’s fuel economy compared to the Mercedes?

The Tucson PHEV boasts a 35 combined MPG rating, offering an 8 MPG advantage over the 2026 GLC's 27 combined MPG. The Tucson also offers a usable 32 miles of all-electric range before utilizing gas.

Which crossover offers superior performance in terms of horsepower and torque?

The Tucson PHEV leads in raw power with 268 hp compared to the GLC's 255 hp. However, the GLC compensates with higher low-end pulling power, offering 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson's 258 lb-ft.

Are the dimensions vastly different between these two models?

Yes, the Tucson is slightly shorter in length (182.7 inches vs 185.7 inches) but noticeably taller at 66.3 inches compared to the GLC's 64.6 inches. This height difference contributes to the Tucson's superior 31.9 cu ft cargo capacity.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging drive based on the provided drivetrain specs?

Enthusiasts often favor the traditional feel of rear-wheel-drive, making the GLC's setup more appealing than the Tucson's standard all-wheel-drive system. Additionally, the GLC utilizes a quicker-shifting 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Is the higher cost of the Mercedes-Benz GLC justified by its equipment?

While the GLC commands a $9,820 premium, the provided data points primarily towards luxury enhancements rather than superior quantitative specs in efficiency or cargo volume. Buyers pay a premium for the Mercedes badge and inherent refinement.