2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$45,800 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between luxury polish and long-term economy? That's the tough spot buyers are in when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class against the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Mercedes starts slightly cheaper at an MSRP of $45,800 and offers a punchy 258 lb-ft of torque from its 221 hp engine, albeit requiring premium unleaded fuel for its 28 combined MPG. In contrast, the larger Highlander Hybrid demands $47,020 but slashes running costs by delivering an impressive 35 combined MPG running on regular unleaded, matching its city and highway ratings. While the GLB is notably shorter at 182.4 inches versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches, the Toyota also boasts 22 more horsepower (243 hp) for better overall performance. For city drivers prioritizing badge prestige, the GLB shines; for efficiency champions, the Highlander is the clear mathematical victor.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid’s 35 MPG combined rating significantly reduces daily fuel costs compared to the GLB's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Despite being smaller, the GLB-Class offers more outright cargo space at 22 cubic feet versus the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid provides a slight edge in power with 243 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid offers superior long-term value through better fuel economy and lower fuel requirements (regular vs. premium unleaded).

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

You prefer the prestige and luxury feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
You need a more maneuverable vehicle, as the GLB is significantly shorter at 182.4 inches.
You prioritize maximum usable cargo space (22 cu ft) in a compact footprint over overall efficiency.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

You want the lowest running costs due to its best-in-class 35 MPG rating.
You require the convenience of All-Wheel Drive capability straight from the base model.
You prefer to save money on fuel, as it runs on regular unleaded rather than the GLB's required premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	243 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 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 Hybrid.

Which vehicle is physically larger for hauling passengers?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class at 182.4 inches. However, the GLB surprisingly wins on cargo utility, offering 22 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet.

Is the fuel economy difference significant enough to justify the higher MSRP of the Highlander?

Yes, the Highlander Hybrid saves about 7 MPG combined (35 MPG vs. 28 MPG) and uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel, which offsets its slightly higher starting MSRP of $47,020 over the GLB's $45,800.

Does the Mercedes-Benz GLB handle better than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The GLB has less overall power (221 hp vs. 243 hp) and is exclusively front-wheel drive, while the Highlander Hybrid comes standard with AWD and slightly more power, suggesting better all-weather and potentially faster straight-line performance.

How do the transmissions differ between these two crossovers?

The Mercedes GLB utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, offering distinct gear changes. In contrast, the Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, focusing on smooth, seamless transitions to maximize efficiency.

Which car offers better torque, which affects acceleration feel?

The Mercedes GLB has a measurable advantage in low-end pulling power, producing 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander Hybrid's unlisted torque figure. The GLB's power delivery might feel punchier in city driving situations.

If I care about efficiency, why does the luxury GLB require premium fuel?

The requirement for premium unleaded in the GLB is often tied to the tuning of its turbocharged engine to maximize the stated 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque efficiently. The Highlander Hybrid's hybrid system allows it to run optimally on regular unleaded while achieving 35 MPG.