2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$45,800 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium badge prestige and cutting-edge hybrid savings is a common headache for crossover shoppers right now. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class starts at a steep $45,800 and delivers a respectable 221 hp, but demands premium unleaded fuel and achieves only 28 combined MPG. On the flip side, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid undercuts it significantly at $40,075, while also boasting 268 hp and superior efficiency thanks to its PHEV setup, netting 35 combined MPG. While the Mercedes offers a 22.0 cu ft cargo area, the Tucson offers substantially more practical utility with 31.9 cu ft of space. The GLB is slightly smaller overall at 182.4 inches long compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, yet the Tucson manages to pack in an impressive 32 miles of electric-only range.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its 32 miles of electric range, significantly cutting daily fuel costs compared to the GLB's standard gasoline engine.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Families will appreciate the Tucson's superior 31.9 cu ft cargo capacity and the better standard all-wheel drive system over the GLB's smaller 22.0 cu ft trunk.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers 47 more horsepower (268 hp vs. 221 hp) and higher torque (271 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft), providing a more engaging driving experience despite the GLB's luxury badge.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson is the clear value winner, costing $5,725 less upfront while offering better fuel economy and more power.

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

You absolutely prioritize the luxury badge and interior refinement associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand name.
You prefer the slightly narrower width (72.2 inches) for easier parallel parking in tight urban spots.
You don't mind paying the premium for required fuel and accepting 28 combined MPG for the brand experience.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You want to maximize savings, benefiting from the $40,075 MSRP and better overall efficiency.
You need the significant cargo volume of 31.9 cu ft for hauling gear or family needs.
You commute less than 32 miles daily and can utilize the PHEV system for emission-free driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	182.4"	182.7"
Width	72.2"	73.4"
Height	66.7"	66.3"
Wheelbase	111.4"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/33 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/524.7 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.6 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
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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.9 in.	56.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more power does the Tucson PHEV have than the Mercedes GLB?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has noticeably more power, putting out 268 hp compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's 221 hp. This 47 hp advantage is also supported by higher torque figures.

Is the Mercedes GLB-Class's fuel requirement a big concern compared to the Tucson?

Yes, the GLB requires premium unleaded fuel, which is an added ongoing expense. The Tucson PHEV runs on regular unleaded, which helps balance its lower running costs already established by its superior fuel economy.

Which car is more practical for hauling groceries or road trips based on specs?

The Hyundai Tucson is significantly more practical, offering 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, which dwarfs the GLB's 22.0 cu ft offering. The Tucson also comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the GLB is front-wheel drive.

What is the actual MSRP difference between these two crossovers?

There is a notable $5,725 difference in the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The Mercedes GLB starts at $45,800, while the Hyundai Tucson PHEV starts at $40,075.

Can the Tucson electric range impact the GLB's MPG advantage?

Absolutely; the Tucson offers 32 miles of pure electric range, meaning daily commuting miles can be driven without using any gasoline at all. Even when using gas, the Tucson's 35 combined MPG beats the GLB's 28 combined MPG.

Are the overall physical dimensions very different between the two?

They are very close in footprint; the Tucson is slightly longer at 182.7 inches versus the GLB's 182.4 inches. However, the Tucson is wider (73.4 inches) and slightly shorter in height (66.3 inches) than the GLB.