2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$49,250 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2025 Toyota Highlander is the significant MSRP gap of $8,930, with the Highlander starting at $40,320 versus the GLC-Class's $49,250. Performance metrics are surprisingly close: the Highlander produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the GLC-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the Mercedes excels in efficiency, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating on premium fuel, while the Highlander manages 25 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Physical dimensions also distinguish the two; the Highlander is notably larger at 194.9 inches long and 68.1 inches high, compared to the GLC-Class’s 185.7-inch length. Conversely, the GLC-Class offers superior fuel economy figures, logging 32 MPG highway versus the Highlander's 29 MPG highway, although the Mercedes requires premium gasoline.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class wins for commuters due to its 2 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (27 MPG vs. 25 MPG) and smaller exterior dimensions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers superior practicality for families, being 9.2 inches longer overall and featuring a larger 68.1-inch height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander provides higher peak output with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, marginally surpassing the GLC-Class.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander presents superior value by offering more horsepower for an $8,930 lower base price.

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

The budget allows for a $49,250 starting MSRP and the necessity of premium unleaded fuel.
Optimal efficiency is desired, reflected in the GLC-Class's 27 MPG combined rating.
A more compact footprint for urban navigation is preferred, given its 185.7-inch length.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximizing passenger or cargo volume is a priority, supported by its larger 68.1-inch height.
Lower running costs are targeted via the ability to use regular unleaded fuel.
The highest available peak power, rated at 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, is preferred.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Toyota Highlander
Length	185.7"	194.9"
Width	74.4"	76.0"
Height	64.6"	68.1"
Wheelbase	113.7"	112.2"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	17.9 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	8.0 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.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	59.0 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	—	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 Highlander.

What is the fundamental difference in drivetrain configuration between these crossovers?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class employs a standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission.

How does the fuel requirement affect long-term ownership costs?

The GLC-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel for its 255 hp engine, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the Highlander. Although the GLC gets better MPG (27 combined vs. 25 combined), the fuel type difference might negate some of the efficiency gains for high-mileage drivers.

Which vehicle offers more usable interior space?

Based on the provided data, the Highlander is physically larger and offers greater capacity, though specific passenger volume is not detailed. The Highlander lists 16 cu ft of cargo space, which is less than the GLC-Class's 21.9 cu ft, suggesting the Mercedes prioritizes rear storage volume over overall external size.

Is the GLC-Class significantly underpowered compared to the Highlander?

No, the power outputs are close, but the Highlander holds a narrow advantage with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the GLC-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. This power gap exists despite the Highlander's higher curb weight, suggested by its larger dimensions.

How large is the difference in overall length and height?

The Toyota Highlander is substantially larger externally, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the GLC-Class’s 185.7 inches (a 9.2-inch difference). The Highlander is also taller at 68.1 inches versus the GLC’s 64.6 inches.

How does the base price impact the overall value proposition?

The $8,930 price difference strongly favors the Highlander for budget-conscious buyers. Even with the GLC-Class offering 2 MPG better efficiency, the significant initial savings provided by the Highlander make it the superior choice on a pure value metric.