2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Honda Passport

$49,250 · Crossover

$44,750 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium luxury comfort and rugged utility often stalls buyers when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2026 Honda Passport. The Mercedes GLC starts at a higher MSRP of $49,250, but it rewards drivers with superior efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG, significantly better than the Passport's 21 combined MPG, largely because the GLC requires premium fuel while the Passport runs on regular unleaded. Power figures lean toward the Passport with 285 hp versus the GLC's 255 hp, though the Mercedes offers more torque at 295 lb-ft compared to the Honda's 262 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Passport dwarfs the GLC in sheer size and capability, boasting a massive 44 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the GLC manages only 21.9 cu ft. This comparison boils down to prioritizing the efficiency and prestige of the GLC against the raw space and capability of the larger Passport.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 32 highway MPG versus the Passport's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport is the better family choice, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 44 cu ft compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Passport's higher 285 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive system for more spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Passport

The Honda Passport offers better utility and more horsepower for $4,500 less than the starting price of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

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

You prioritize fuel savings, as the GLC achieves 27 combined MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint, with the GLC measuring 185.7 inches long.
You prefer slightly higher low-end grunt, indicated by the GLC’s 295 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You absolutely need maximum cargo capacity, as the Passport offers 44 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly more powerful engine with 285 hp and don't mind premium fuel savings.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability and a taller stance (73.1 inches high).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Honda Passport
Length	185.7"	191.5"
Width	74.4"	79.4"
Height	64.6"	73.1"
Wheelbase	113.7"	113.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
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	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	351.5/462.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
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	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	12.3 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	—
Stereo Power	—	225W
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	61.9 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	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	4-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	—	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	61.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Honda Passport.

Is the extra cost of the Mercedes GLC worth it for fuel economy?

That depends on your driving habits; the GLC saves you about 6 MPG, translating to fewer stops at the pump, but it requires expensive premium unleaded fuel, which offsets some savings compared to the Passport's regular unleaded requirement.

Which vehicle is significantly larger for passengers and gear?

The 2026 Honda Passport is substantially larger, especially in the rear; it offers 44 cu ft of cargo space, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class only provides 21.9 cu ft.

How does the required fuel type affect long-term running costs?

The GLC requires premium fuel, whereas the Passport takes regular unleaded, meaning the Passport's fuel budget might be lower even with its lower 21 combined MPG rating.

Does the Passport's extra horsepower make it much faster than the GLC?

While the Passport has 30 more horsepower (285 hp vs. 255 hp), the GLC counters with slightly more torque (295 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft), meaning their on-road acceleration difference might be marginal outside of pure speed testing.

Which crossover is better suited for adverse weather conditions?

The Honda Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it a practical advantage over the GLC's standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration for snow or slippery roads.

How big is the difference in the initial purchase price?

There is a clear $4,500 difference in the starting MSRP, with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class priced at $49,250 and the 2026 Honda Passport starting at $44,750.