2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class (Car1) and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (Car2) is their footprint, with the Grand Highlander extending 19 inches longer at 201.4 inches compared to the GLB’s 182.4 inches. This difference in exterior scale correlates with power delivery, as the Toyota produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Mercedes’ 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the GLB offers a superior efficiency metric, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the Grand Highlander’s 24 MPG, though the Mercedes mandates premium unleaded fuel. Priced at $45,800, the GLB carries a $4,440 premium over the Grand Highlander's $41,360 base MSRP. While the GLB has marginally more cargo volume at 22 cubic feet versus 20.6 cubic feet, the Toyota's larger exterior suggests superior passenger volume potential.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB-Class provides a better fuel economy rating of 28 combined MPG, which is superior for daily mileage needs.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 201.4-inch length and greater overall dimensions of the Grand Highlander strongly suggest superior passenger and spatial accommodations for larger families.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander delivers significantly higher output with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota offers substantially more horsepower and torque for a lower starting MSRP of $41,360, undercutting the Mercedes by $4,440.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency and minimizing trips to the pump are priorities (28 combined MPG).
- A required premium unleaded fuel is acceptable for the driving experience.
- A slightly tighter vehicle footprint (182.4 inches long) is preferred for urban maneuverability.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum power output is desired, evidenced by 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- A lower initial investment is necessary, given the $41,360 MSRP against the GLB's $45,800.
- A vehicle running on regular unleaded gasoline is preferred over premium fuel.
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 | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside 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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain cost between the GLB-Class and the Grand Highlander?
The 2025 GLB-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel, adding to operational costs, while the 2026 Grand Highlander runs on regular unleaded. Furthermore, the GLB offers only 28 combined MPG versus the Toyota’s 24 combined MPG.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
The Grand Highlander boasts 44 more horsepower (265 hp vs. 221 hp) and 52 more lb-ft of torque (310 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft). This power advantage is reflected in its larger overall physical size.
Which crossover offers better utility based on cargo specifications?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has a slight advantage in dedicated cargo volume, offering 22 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet. However, the Toyota is significantly larger externally at 201.4 inches long.
Is the Mercedes GLB-Class significantly cheaper than the Toyota Grand Highlander?
No, the opposite is true; the GLB-Class has a higher MSRP of $45,800, making it $4,440 more expensive than the Grand Highlander's starting price of $41,360.
Do both vehicles use an 8-speed transmission, and are they the same type?
Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed unit; however, the GLB-Class employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Grand Highlander uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
How does the difference in length affect overall size perception?
The Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches in length, making it 19 inches longer than the GLB-Class's 182.4 inches. This substantial difference likely translates to greater rear passenger legroom and overall cabin volume in the Toyota.
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