2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between compact luxury and mid-size practicality is a common hurdle for crossover shoppers. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offers a premium feel with better efficiency, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander packs a serious power punch and standard AWD. The GLB starts slightly higher at an MSRP of $45,800 versus the Highlander’s $45,270, but the Mercedes achieves a superior combined MPG of 28, compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG. However, the Toyota boasts 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Highlander is larger at 194.9 inches long, whereas the GLB offers a more city-friendly 182.4 inches. This comparison highlights a trade-off between accessible efficiency and raw output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB-Class is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 28 and smaller footprint for easier city maneuvering.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander wins for families because its larger overall dimensions (194.9 inches long) suggest potentially more room inside, despite having slightly less base cargo space listed.
2026 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Highlander, which offers significantly more performance with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLB offers better long-term running costs due to its 4 MPG higher fuel efficiency, which offsets its slightly higher initial MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel savings and only require regular unleaded fuel, benefiting from 28 MPG combined.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle, as the GLB is nearly 12.5 inches shorter in length (182.4 inches).
- You desire a luxury badge experience straight out of the gate, even with slightly less power (221 hp).
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You need maximum acceleration, benefiting from the 44 extra horsepower (265 hp) the Highlander provides.
- You need the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for varied conditions.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of the premium requirement of the GLB.
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 | 2 |
| 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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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. | 375.9/501.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.6 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 | 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 | — | 57.2 in. |
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. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P235/65R V |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Which vehicle will cost less to fuel over time?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class will likely be cheaper to fuel, as it achieves a combined 28 MPG, which is 4 MPG better than the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating. Additionally, the GLB requires premium fuel, which can offset some savings, but the Highlander demands more frequent fill-ups overall.
How much bigger is the 2026 Highlander compared to the GLB?
The Toyota Highlander is considerably larger, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the GLB's 182.4 inches. This length difference results in the Highlander also being wider (76.0 inches vs. 72.2 inches) and taller (68.1 inches vs. 66.7 inches).
Is the difference in horsepower noticeable in daily driving?
Yes, the 44 horsepower difference is substantial; the Highlander's 265 hp provides significantly more effortless passing power than the GLB's 221 hp. The Highlander also delivers greater torque at 310 lb-ft versus the GLB’s 258 lb-ft.
Which car offers better utility based on specifications?
While the Highlander is larger overall, the base cargo capacity listed is lower at 16 cubic feet versus the GLB's 22 cubic feet. However, shoppers should confirm the actual usable space as the larger external dimensions of the Highlander often translate to better cabin or third-row utility.
Do I have to buy premium gas for both vehicles?
No, only the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which can lead to modest operational savings.
Does the standard drivetrain configuration affect performance?
Yes, the standard configuration favors the Highlander, which comes with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making it potentially better in slippery conditions. The GLB comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), although AWD might be optional.
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