2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$49,250 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between luxury refinement and sheer practicality often hinges on budget and size; that's the core conflict between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2026 Dodge Durango. The GLC starts at a premium, an MSRP of $49,250, compared to the Durango's much friendlier $38,995—a substantial $10,255 gap. While the Durango offers more muscle with 295 hp versus the Mercedes’ 255 hp, the GLC counters strongly on efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG (using required premium fuel) against the Durango's 20 combined MPG (using regular unleaded). Furthermore, the GLC is significantly more maneuverable at 185.7 inches long versus the Durango’s imposing 200.8 inches. However, if cargo space is crucial, the Durango's smaller 17.2 cu ft capacity pales next to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft when viewed strictly by volume, though the physical size difference suggests the Durango offers more overall presence.

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 superior 27 combined MPG efficiency compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

The larger Durango, standing at 72.1 inches tall, likely offers superior passenger comfort and overall cabin room despite slightly less dedicated cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The Durango appeals more to power enthusiasts because it produces 295 hp, beating the GLC's 255 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

The Durango provides an immediate value proposition by saving $10,255 upfront on the MSRP while delivering higher peak horsepower.

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

You prioritize fuel economy and can leverage the GLC's 32 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a more compact and maneuverable vehicle, with a length of only 185.7 inches.
You value the higher level of standard refinement suggested by the $49,250 luxury price point.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Your budget is tighter, as the Durango saves you $10,255 right off the starting line.
You need the extra engine punch, as its 295 hp significantly outperforms the GLC's 255 hp.
You plan on using regular unleaded fuel, unlike the GLC which requires premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Dodge Durango
Length	185.7"	200.8"
Width	74.4"	75.8"
Height	64.6"	72.1"
Wheelbase	113.7"	119.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	442.8/615.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	24.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	10.1 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	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	58.5 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	—
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	—	57.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	57.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	265/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Dodge
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.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Dodge Durango.

Which SUV costs significantly more upfront?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a considerably higher starting MSRP of $49,250 compared to the 2026 Dodge Durango's $38,995, resulting in a price difference of $10,255.

How do the fuel costs compare between these two models?

The GLC-Class is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 27 combined MPG, while the Durango returns 20 combined MPG. Remember, the GLC also requires premium unleaded fuel.

Is the power difference between the two noticeable?

Yes, the 2026 Durango offers 295 hp, providing 40 more horsepower than the GLC-Class's 255 hp rating, making the Durango stronger on paper.

If I frequently carry passengers, which model is better suited for that role?

Although cargo capacity favors the GLC, the Durango is substantially larger overall in height (72.1 inches vs 64.6 inches) and length (200.8 inches vs 185.7 inches), suggesting a more spacious feel for passengers.