2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$45,800 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class dazzles with sophisticated European style and a surprisingly nimble footprint, commanding an MSRP of $45,800 while delivering 221 hp. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander enters the ring with raw, accessible power, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, all starting at a much lower $40,320. While the GLB offers superior fuel economy at 28 combined MPG (compared to the Highlander’s 25 combined MPG), it requires premium fuel, a factor the Highlander avoids with regular unleaded. Performance enthusiasts might lean towards the Highlander’s significant 44 hp advantage, while urban drivers will appreciate the GLB’s more compact 182.4-inch length. Ultimately, this matchup pits luxurious compact efficiency against mainstream robust capability and a $5,480 starting price advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The GLB-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 28 combined MPG and tighter dimensions for urban maneuvering.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander, despite slightly lower MPG, is physically larger and offers superior torque (310 lb-ft) necessary for hauling passengers and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander delivers a thrilling 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing considerably more straight-line muscle than the GLB's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander undercuts the GLB's starting price by a significant $5,480 while offering more base power.

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

You prioritize European luxury aesthetics and premium branding for a starting MSRP of $45,800.
You need the efficiency of 33 highway MPG and are willing to pay for required premium unleaded fuel.
You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle footprint, measuring 182.4 inches in length, which aids in tight city parking.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require the highest output, benefiting from 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for spirited driving.
You need to save over $5,000 upfront, as the Highlander starts at $40,320.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of the premium fuel required by the Mercedes-Benz.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class	Toyota Highlander
Length	182.4"	194.9"
Width	72.2"	76.0"
Height	66.7"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.4"	112.2"

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	—	✓

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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/524.7 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.9 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	8.0 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.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.0 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	—	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.9 in.	58.7 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	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	P235/65R V
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

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 Highlander.

Which vehicle is better suited for carrying more cargo?

Despite its slightly shorter overall length, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class actually offers more dedicated cargo space with 22 cubic feet compared to the Highlander's 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats. If maximum bulk storage is key, the GLB holds a measurable advantage here.

Is the GLB's requirement for premium fuel worth the better fuel economy?

The GLB achieves 28 combined MPG, beating the Highlander's 25 combined MPG, but it demands premium fuel. Buyers must calculate whether the marginal savings in fuel consumption offset the higher cost per gallon of premium versus the Highlander's use of regular unleaded.

How significant is the power difference in real-world driving?

The Highlander possesses a substantial 44 hp advantage and significantly more torque (310 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft), meaning the Toyota will likely feel noticeably quicker when accelerating onto highways or managing steep inclines.

What is the difference in size and maneuverability between the two?

The Highlander is substantially wider at 76.0 inches and longer at 194.9 inches compared to the GLB's 72.2-inch width and 182.4-inch length. This makes the GLB inherently easier to navigate and park in congested metropolitan areas.

Do the transmissions operate similarly in these two crossovers?

While both utilize 8-speed setups, the GLB uses an automated manual transmission, often characterized by quicker shifts, while the Highlander employs a standard shiftable automatic transmission, typically known for smoother, more conventional power delivery.