2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class whispers sophistication from its $49,250 starting point, trading raw grunt for efficiency; its 255 hp pushes the premium package along while achieving a commendable 27 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX shouts performance from a lower $45,100 MSRP, boasting 272 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive dynamics. Acura drivers get more immediate thrust but must accept lower fuel economy at 23 MPG combined. While the RDX offers a substantially larger cargo hold at 29.5 cu ft compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft, Mercedes counters with slightly better highway cruising economy (32 MPG vs. 27 MPG). This comparison pits German polish against accessible Japanese aggression, demanding buyers weigh a $4,150 upfront saving plus AWD against superior efficiency and brand prestige.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...
- Prioritizing fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 27 MPG combined rating.
- Desiring the prestige and refinement associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- Content with RWD driving dynamics and only needing 21.9 cu ft of storage space.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Seeking the most horsepower from the two crossovers, with 272 hp available.
- Requiring substantial utility, thanks to its segment-leading 29.5 cu ft cargo volume.
- Value is the main driver, saving $4,150 on the initial purchase price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.7" | 187.4" |
| Width | 74.4" | 74.8" |
| Height | 64.6" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 113.7" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/556.8 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 5 | 9 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.3 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 60.0 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 | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | 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 | — | 55.0 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.0 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 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. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Acura RDX.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class achieves 27 MPG combined, whereas the 2026 Acura RDX trails slightly at 23 MPG combined, translating to four more miles per gallon for the Mercedes.
Is the Acura RDX’s standard All-Wheel Drive worth the higher fuel consumption compared to the GLC’s RWD?
AWD provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly in poor weather, which the RDX offers standard, contrasting with the GLC’s base RWD configuration.
Which vehicle offers more usable space for hauling gear?
The 2026 Acura RDX clearly dominates in practicality, offering 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLC-Class’s 21.9 cubic feet.
What is the performance trade-off when comparing their horsepower ratings?
The 2026 Acura RDX generates 272 hp, outmuscling the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class’s 255 hp, though both require premium unleaded fuel.
Considering the initial outlay, how much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class commands an MSRP of $49,250, making it $4,150 more expensive than the 2026 Acura RDX’s starting price.
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