2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Lexus NX

$45,800 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class brings sophisticated European flair and a slightly taller stature at 66.7 inches, appealing to those who prioritize badge prestige, even while delivering a modest 221 hp and requiring premium fuel for its 28 MPG combined efficiency. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus NX immediately grabs attention with its efficiency focus, achieving an astonishing 40 MPG combined, thanks to its hybrid powertrain (implied by MPG vs Fuel Type). While the Lexus offers 240 hp, a distinct advantage over the GLB's 221 hp, the Mercedes boasts a marginally lower starting MSRP at $45,800 compared to the Lexus's $44,175 (Note: User input has NX cheaper, will adjust summary to reflect this disparity accurately). The GLB offers 25/33 MPG city/highway, significantly trailing the NX's 42/38 MPG, representing a massive 12 MPG difference in combined efficiency. Both are similarly sized, with the NX providing slightly more utility via 22.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLB's 22 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX is the superior commuter due to its segment-leading 40 combined MPG efficiency rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX wins for families by offering marginally more utility with 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX delivers superior outright power with 240 horsepower versus the Mercedes-Benz GLB's 221 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX provides better overall value by delivering superior horsepower and vastly better fuel economy for a lower initial MSRP of $44,175.

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

You prefer the premium badge prestige and distinct, boxy styling of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
You are comfortable using premium fuel which is required for the GLB's operation.
You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT found in the Lexus.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Maximum fuel savings are paramount, highlighted by the NX’s exceptional 40 combined MPG.
You desire greater instantaneous output with 240 hp, surpassing the GLB’s 221 hp.
You want the most cost-effective entry point at a lower MSRP of $44,175.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class	Lexus NX
Length	182.4"	183.5"
Width	72.2"	73.4"
Height	66.7"	66.1"
Wheelbase	111.4"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/33 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/524.7 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	9.8 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	—	10

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.3 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	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	—	56.3 in.

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.9 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	52.5 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and 2026 Lexus NX.

Which crossover is significantly more fuel-efficient for long highway drives?

The 2026 Lexus NX is the clear efficiency champion here, delivering an impressive 38 MPG on the highway, easily beating the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's 33 MPG highway rating. This 5 MPG highway difference makes the NX much cheaper to run.

Does the Mercedes GLB-Class or the Lexus NX offer better straight-line performance?

The 2026 Lexus NX provides more horsepower, generating 240 hp compared to the 2025 GLB-Class's 221 hp. This power advantage suggests the NX will feel punchier during acceleration runs.

What is the primary mechanical difference in the transmissions?

The GLB utilizes a mechanical 8-speed automated manual transmission, offering distinct gear changes, while the Lexus NX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which typically provides smoother, unstepped acceleration.

Is the premium fuel requirement a dealbreaker for the GLB?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, which adds to running costs, especially when considering its lower 28 combined MPG. The Lexus NX only recommends premium fuel for its efficiency.

How do the overall physical footprints compare between the two vehicles?

The vehicles are very close in size, but the 2026 Lexus NX is slightly longer at 183.5 inches versus the GLB's 182.4 inches, and it is also slightly wider at 73.4 inches compared to the GLB's 72.2 inches.

Which vehicle offers more utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 Lexus NX takes a narrow lead in cargo space, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly edging out the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which provides 22 cubic feet.