2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between compact luxury and cavernous practicality often confuses buyers. If you are debating whether premium badge appeal outweighs sheer size, look closely at these two crossovers. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class starts at $45,800 and delivers efficiency with 28 combined MPG, requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander enters significantly cheaper at $40,860 and offers more muscle, boasting 265 horsepower against the GLB’s 221 hp. While the Grand Highlander is substantially larger (201.4 inches long versus 182.4 inches for the GLB), it trails slightly in fuel economy at 24 combined MPG using regular unleaded. This comparison boils down to whether you prioritize Mercedes refinement and 33 highway MPG or Toyota’s robust torque (310 lb-ft) and lower entry price, factoring in the $4,940 MSRP gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating and smaller footprint, making city driving easier.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers greater physical space and practicality, despite having slightly less primary cargo volume at 20.6 cu ft, its overall larger dimensions are beneficial.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander provides significantly more performance metrics, offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLB's lower output.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander undercuts the GLB by nearly $5,000 in starting MSRP and uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 33 highway MPG even though it requires premium fuel.
- You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle given its 182.4-inch length versus the Grand Highlander's 201.4 inches.
- You desire the prestige and perceived luxury associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge at the $45,800 starting point.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Grand Highlander starts at a lower $40,860 MSRP.
- You need more power for merging, thanks to its 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the lowest running cost related to fuel type, as it runs on regular unleaded instead of requiring premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.4" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.7" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.4" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/33 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/524.7 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.2 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Is the size difference between these two vehicles significant for daily driving?
Yes, the difference is noticeable; the Toyota Grand Highlander is over 19 inches longer, measuring 201.4 inches compared to the GLB’s 182.4 inches. This extra length in the Toyota likely translates to easier third-row access or slightly more real-world utility.
Which vehicle will cost less to fuel over the year?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offers better efficiency at 28 combined MPG versus the Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. However, you must factor in that the GLB requires premium fuel, which offsets some of that MPG advantage.
If I need power, which one pulls harder?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a clear advantage in raw power, putting out 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The GLB sits at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, making the Toyota noticeably punchier.
How much more affordable is the Toyota Grand Highlander initially?
The Grand Highlander offers significant savings right off the bat, boasting an MSRP of $40,860 compared to the GLB-Class starting at $45,800. That is a $4,940 price gap between the two entry models.
Does the smaller Mercedes GLB have better cargo space?
Surprisingly, no; the GLB technically offers slightly more maximum cargo space at 22 cubic feet compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet. However, the Grand Highlander's overall larger exterior dimensions suggest better usable space once passengers are loaded.
Are the transmissions similar in these two FWD crossovers?
They use different hardware: the GLB features an 8-speed automated manual, while the Grand Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. This means the driving feel through shifts might vary between the two, especially under harder acceleration.
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