2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class dives into luxury with its RWD configuration and premium feel, commanding an MSRP of $49,250, while the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander prioritizes brute practicality and family hauling prowess starting at a substantial $8,390 less. The GLC offers superior efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG utilizing its 255 hp engine, contrasted with the Grand Highlander's 265 hp delivering 310 lb-ft of torque, optimized for its larger frame. Design-wise, the GLC is significantly more compact at 185.7 inches long, providing nimbler urban handling compared to the imposing 201.4-inch length of the Toyota. Enthusiasts might lean toward the Mercedes' precise rear-wheel-drive dynamics, even with its slightly lower torque output of 295 lb-ft, whereas the Grand Highlander maximizes interior space, trading refined performance for sheer size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and more manageable dimensions for city driving.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the victor for families because its substantial 201.4-inch length clearly implies greater passenger and cargo accommodations, despite the GLC having marginally more advertised cargo space at 21.9 cu ft versus 20.6 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The enthusiast favors the rear-wheel-drive bias and the handling potential of the more agile, smaller platform offered by the GLC-Class.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers a clear value advantage with an MSRP nearly $8,400 lower than the Mercedes, making its 265 hp more accessible.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...
- You prioritize premium fuel economy, netting 27 combined MPG on required premium fuel.
- You desire the responsive handling characteristics associated with its rear-wheel-drive architecture.
- Your driving primarily involves urban environments where its 185.7-inch length offers better maneuverability.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximizing interior and overall vehicle size is critical, given its 201.4-inch length.
- You prefer running on regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium.
- Saving $8,390 upfront on the purchase price is a primary goal, despite slightly lower MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 64.6" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 113.7" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power 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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/556.8 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | — |
| Automatic 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 | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 11.9 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 5 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-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 | 10-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 | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 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 GLC-Class and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which vehicle offers better long-distance fuel savings?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class provides better overall efficiency with 27 combined MPG compared to the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG. Furthermore, the GLC requires premium unleaded fuel, which increases operational cost per mile.
How much larger is the Toyota Grand Highlander for hauling people?
The Grand Highlander is significantly larger externally, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches. While the GLC technically lists slightly more cargo space (21.9 cu ft vs. 20.6 cu ft), the sheer external dimensions of the Toyota suggest superior cabin space, particularly in the third row.
Is the Mercedes GLC more powerful than the Toyota?
The Toyota Grand Highlander technically produces more power, generating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The GLC counters with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, but the Mercedes' power is delivered through a more performance-oriented RWD platform.
What is the significance of the difference in drive type?
The GLC uses Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), often preferred by driving enthusiasts for balanced handling and better traction under hard acceleration. Conversely, the Grand Highlander utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which is generally more predictable and efficient for everyday commuting and family use.
How big is the price difference between these two crossovers?
There is a considerable $8,390 price gap between the starting MSRPs of the two vehicles. The Grand Highlander begins at $40,860, while the luxury-focused GLC-Class starts at $49,250.
Do both vehicles use the same transmission?
No, they utilize different automatic transmissions; the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class features a 9-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting more precise gear changes, whereas the Grand Highlander employs a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
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