2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$40,965 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class often boils down to budget versus premium performance. A major hurdle is the initial investment: the GLC-Class starts at $49,250, while the NX undercuts it significantly at $40,965, representing an $8,285 difference. While the GLC offers a stout 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the NX delivers respectable 203 hp and maintains a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the GLC's 27 MPG combined. Additionally, both vehicles are similarly sized, though the NX is slightly shorter in length at 183.5 inches compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches. For drivers prioritizing lower running costs and excellent base value, the Lexus presents a compelling case against the prestige and extra 52 horsepower of the Mercedes.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and its use of less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus NX

While the GLC is slightly larger overall, the NX offers marginally more cargo space at 22.7 cu ft compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class provides significantly more power with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 203 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX offers a much lower entry price point, saving buyers $8,285 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You want to save over $8,000 upfront, as the Lexus NX MSRP starts at $40,965.
Your daily drive demands better fuel efficiency, as the NX achieves 28 MPG combined versus the GLC's 27 MPG.
You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel required by the GLC-Class.

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

You desire significantly more on-road punch, thanks to the GLC's 255 horsepower.
You want the added low-end pulling power from 295 lb-ft of torque available in the Mercedes.
Rear-wheel drive capability is a necessary preference over the NX's standard front-wheel drive setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	183.5"	185.7"
Width	73.4"	74.4"
Height	66.1"	64.6"
Wheelbase	105.9"	113.7"

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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	56.6 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 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Is the higher price of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class worth the extra horsepower?

That depends on your priorities; the GLC offers 255 hp, which is 52 hp more than the Lexus NX's 203 hp, but this premium costs $8,285 more upfront. If spirited driving is essential, the power difference is noticeable, but for routine errands, the NX's efficiency might be more valuable.

Which vehicle will save me more money at the pump over time?

The 2025 Lexus NX generally wins on running costs because it delivers 28 MPG combined and accepts regular unleaded fuel. The GLC gets 27 MPG combined and mandates the more expensive premium unleaded fuel.

How do the dimensions and interior space compare between the two crossovers?

They are very similar in footprint; the Lexus NX is slightly shorter at 183.5 inches long, but it provides slightly more usable storage with 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLC's 21.9 cubic feet.

What is the main mechanical difference besides engine output?

The standard drivetrain configuration is different; the Lexus NX comes standard with front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class features standard rear-wheel drive paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Are both vehicles similarly sized in terms of width and height?

Yes, they are closely matched, though the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is slightly wider at 74.4 inches versus the NX's 73.4 inches. The Lexus NX is slightly taller, measuring 66.1 inches compared to the GLC's 64.6 inches.