2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class often comes down to prioritizing budget versus badge prestige in the premium compact crossover segment. While both vehicles share an identical 28 MPG combined rating, the Lexus NX starts significantly lower at an MSRP of $40,965 compared to the GLB-Class's $45,800—a difference of $4,835. Performance-wise, the GLB-Class holds an advantage with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft, despite both being FWD models utilizing 8-speed automatics. Cargo space is nearly equal, with the NX offering 22.7 cu ft versus the GLB’s 22.0 cu ft. Furthermore, the Lexus cleverly utilizes regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Mercedes requires costlier premium unleaded.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX wins for daily driving due to its lower starting price and use of less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Lexus NX
The NX offers slightly more practical cargo capacity at 22.7 cu ft and a slightly lower overall height despite similar dimensions.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class provides a noticeable power edge with 221 hp and significantly more torque at 258 lb-ft.
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX saves the buyer $4,835 upfront and avoids the added ongoing cost of required premium fuel.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You want to save nearly $5,000 upfront, as the Lexus NX MSRP is $40,965.
- You prefer to run on regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
- You need marginally more storage, offering 22.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLB's 22.0 cu ft.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- You prioritize performance, benefiting from the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the GLB is 66.7 inches high compared to the NX's 66.1 inches.
- You are willing to pay extra for the required premium fuel to gain the extra horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 182.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.2" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 111.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
Is the fuel economy significantly different between the two crossovers?
Surprisingly, no; both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class are rated for exactly 28 MPG combined. However, the NX uses regular unleaded while the GLB mandates premium, meaning the NX is cheaper to run over time.
Which car offers better performance if I drive aggressively?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is the stronger choice for performance enthusiasts, delivering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, easily outmuscling the Lexus NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft.
How much more space do I actually get in the Lexus NX?
The difference is minimal, with the Lexus NX offering 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLB-Class’s 22.0 cubic feet. This difference likely won't impact everyday family hauling.
Is the base price difference of $4,835 justified by the Mercedes' features?
Objectively, the GLB commands a $4,835 premium (MSRP $45,800 vs $40,965) while offering only slightly more horsepower; you are paying primarily for the Mercedes-Benz badge and styling.
Are the transmissions the same on these FWD models?
No, though both use 8-speed units, the Lexus uses a standard shiftable automatic, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB utilizes an automated manual transmission.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
They are nearly identical in size, but the Lexus NX is slightly longer at 183.5 inches versus the GLB's 182.4 inches, while the GLB is slightly taller at 66.7 inches.
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