2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class (car1) and the 2026 Lexus RX (car2) is the 54 horsepower advantage held by the Lexus, offering 275 hp compared to the GLB's 221 hp. This power disparity is coupled with a $3,925 higher MSRP for the RX at $49,725 versus the GLB's $45,800 entry price. Conversely, the GLB offers superior fuel efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the RX's 25 combined MPG, despite requiring premium fuel mandated for both. The RX also leads significantly in utility, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cu ft, though the GLB is shorter by over 10 inches (182.4 vs 192.5 inches). Enthusiasts seeking immediate response might prefer the RX’s 317 lb-ft of torque, while value buyers will note the GLB’s lower initial outlay.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 28 combined MPG versus the RX's 25 combined MPG.
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX is better suited for families because it offers substantially more cargo space at 29.6 cu ft compared to the GLB's 22 cu ft.
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX appeals more to driving enthusiasts by providing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class presents a better initial value proposition, starting at $45,800 against the RX's $49,725 MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing stops at the pump, as the GLB achieves 28 combined MPG versus 25 MPG for the RX.
- You prioritize a lower entry cost, with the GLB starting $3,925 less expensive than the 2026 RX.
- You prefer a slightly more compact exterior, as the GLB is 182.4 inches long compared to the RX’s 192.5 inches.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- You require maximum storage, as the RX delivers 29.6 cu ft of cargo volume, exceeding the GLB's 22 cu ft.
- You desire higher performance figures, evidenced by the RX’s 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a traditional automatic transmission (shiftable automatic) over the GLB's 8-speed automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.4" | 192.5" |
| Width | 72.2" | 75.6" |
| Height | 66.7" | 67.3" |
| Wheelbase | 111.4" | 112.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 317 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/524.7 mi. | 391.6/516.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan 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 | — | 12 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.1 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 | 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 | — | 56.7 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | ✓ |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and 2026 Lexus RX.
What is the key powertrain difference between the 2025 GLB and the 2026 RX?
The 2026 Lexus RX holds a substantial power advantage, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class delivers 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and how does this impact running costs?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel. The Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded, but its lower combined MPG of 25 versus the GLB's 28 means the RX may incur higher overall fuel expenditures despite the efficiency margin.
How much larger is the cargo area in the Lexus RX?
The 2026 Lexus RX offers significantly more utility with a cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet. This provides an additional 7.6 cubic feet over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which is rated at 22 cubic feet.
What is the price gap between these two luxury crossovers?
The 2026 Lexus RX carries a higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $49,725. This makes it $3,925 more expensive than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which starts at $45,800.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2026 Lexus RX is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 192.5 inches in length and 75.6 inches in width. The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is more compact at 182.4 inches long and 72.2 inches wide.
Are the transmissions comparable between the two FWD models?
While both utilize 8-speed transmissions, the GLB uses an 8-speed automated manual, whereas the RX employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool