2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$49,125 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus RX roars onto the scene projecting polished power, boasting a healthy 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited drive straight out of its 192.5-inch frame. Contrast this with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB, which offers efficiency and practicality in a more compact 182.4-inch package, achieving an impressive 28 MPG combined from its 221 hp engine. While the Lexus leans into near-luxury performance metrics, the GLB firmly plants its flag in accessibility, coming in $5,325 less expensive at an MSRP of $43,800 compared to the RX's $49,125 entry point. The RX delivers 54 more horsepower for spirited highway merges, yet the GLB counters with superior fuel economy, showing 33 MPG on the highway versus the Lexus's 29 MPG, making the choice between raw energy and budget-conscious refinement quite clear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Lexus RX's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX is better for families due to its significantly larger 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX offers a substantially higher performance ceiling with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers better immediate value by costing $5,325 less while still providing capable FWD performance.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize engine output and want 275 horsepower at your disposal.
You need maximum utility with 29.6 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space.
You prefer an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an automated manual.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Your budget is tight, as the GLB undercuts the RX by $5,325.
Maximizing fuel economy is crucial, given its 33 MPG highway rating.
You desire a slightly smaller and more maneuverable footprint with 182.4 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	192.5"	182.4"
Width	75.6"	72.2"
Height	67.3"	66.7"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
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 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	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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 Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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 Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	✓	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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 RX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Lexus RX than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB?

The Lexus RX boasts 275 horsepower, giving it a substantial advantage of 54 more horsepower than the Mercedes-Benz GLB’s 221 horsepower output.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB significantly more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

Yes, the 2026 GLB achieves 28 MPG combined (25 city/33 highway), which is noticeably better than the 2025 RX's 25 MPG combined rating.

Which crossover offers more usable space for luggage or gear?

The Lexus RX leads significantly in cargo metrics, offering 29.6 cubic feet of space compared to the GLB’s 22 cubic feet.

Do these vehicles require different types of gasoline?

Both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel; however, the Lexus RX recommends it while the Mercedes-Benz GLB explicitly requires it for operation.

What is the primary factor driving the difference in MSRP between these two crossovers?

The Lexus RX has an MSRP of $49,125, making it $5,325 more expensive than the GLB, likely due to its higher standard power output and luxury positioning.

How do the transmissions differ between the FWD setups?

The 2025 Lexus RX uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission.