2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$48,900 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class often comes down to prioritizing rugged presence versus running economy. Both start closely in price, with the Land Rover listing at $48,900 and the Mercedes at $49,250. However, the differences emerge quickly in efficiency and utility. The GLC-Class boasts a superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, significantly outperforming the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined rating, though this comes with the tradeoff of requiring premium fuel. While the Land Rover is physically shorter at 180.9 inches compared to the GLC’s 185.7 inches, it offers substantially more utility, boasting a cargo capacity of 32.2 cu ft versus the Mercedes' 21.9 cu ft. Power-wise, the GLC has a slight edge with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. For daily drivers, managing that 7 MPG difference over 15,000 miles annually will be a major deciding factor.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the clear commuter choice due to its superior combined 27 MPG efficiency rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport wins for families by offering significantly more usable space with 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class provides better on-paper performance metrics, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Despite having lower MPG, the Discovery Sport provides greater cargo utility for a virtually identical initial MSRP.

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

You frequently haul gear, as the 32.2 cu ft of cargo space dwarfs the GLC’s 21.9 cu ft.
You prefer to stick to regular unleaded fuel rather than paying extra for premium fuel required by car2.
You value a slightly more compact overall length of 180.9 inches for easier city parking maneuvers.

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

Fuel economy is paramount, given the 7 MPG advantage resulting in a 27 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a stronger power delivery, highlighted by 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the RWD bias standard on the base model for potentially sharper on-road handling characteristics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Discovery Sport	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	180.9"	185.7"
Width	-	74.4"
Height	67.9"	64.6"
Wheelbase	107.9"	113.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	246 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	269 lb-ft @ 1300 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	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	9-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/23 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	336.3/407.1 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	380W	—
Speaker System	10	5
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Antenna Type	Diversity	—
Infotainment Display	—	11.9 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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 Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.7 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	N/A	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

How much more fuel-efficient is the GLC-Class than the Discovery Sport?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers a notable edge with a combined 27 MPG rating, which is 7 MPG better than the Land Rover Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined rating. This significant difference will translate to fewer stops at the gas station over the course of a year.

Which car offers better utility for hauling items?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the superior choice for cargo volume, providing 32.2 cubic feet behind the second row. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class provides only 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Does the base power output differ significantly between the two models?

Yes, the GLC-Class has a slight advantage in standard power, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Discovery Sport offers 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.

Are there major differences in vehicle size that affect maneuverability?

The Discovery Sport is slightly shorter in length at 180.9 inches versus the GLC-Class at 185.7 inches. However, the Mercedes is wider at 74.4 inches compared to the Land Rover, which may affect garage fitting.

What is the main price and fuel type consideration?

The MSRPs are nearly identical, $48,900 for the Land Rover and $49,250 for the Mercedes. The crucial fuel difference is that the Land Rover runs on regular unleaded, while the GLC-Class requires the more expensive premium fuel.

How does the transmission configuration vary between these two crossovers?

Both utilize a 9-speed automatic transmission, but the GLC-Class lists its system as a 9-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting slightly more driver involvement capabilities than the Discovery Sport's standard 9-speed automatic.