2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium badge refinement and outright passenger capacity is a common headache for crossover shoppers. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class enters at a premium price point of $49,250, delivering efficiency with a combined 27 MPG and 255 hp from its premium fuel setup. Conversely, the larger 2026 Hyundai Palisade starts significantly lower at $39,435, offering more raw space (199.2 inches long) and 287 hp using regular unleaded gas. While the Palisade boasts more horsepower, the GLC counters with a better fuel economy gap of 6 combined MPG and is nearly 4 inches narrower (74.4 inches wide). The GLC’s $9,815 higher entry cost is the major hurdle against the Palisade's substantial size advantage and lower operational fuel costs.
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 superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 21 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is the winner for families because its 199.2-inch length suggests a roomier cabin, despite having less dedicated cargo space than the GLC.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Enthusiasts lean toward the GLC because its 295 lb-ft of torque provides better low-end pulling power than the Palisade’s 260 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is the clear value winner, offering a $9,815 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the GLC achieves 32 highway MPG versus the Palisade's 25 highway MPG.
- You require the better torque figure of 295 lb-ft for smoother driving dynamics.
- You prefer the more compact dimensions for easier urban navigation, measuring 185.7 inches long.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- Your budget is strict, as the Palisade saves you $9,815 compared to the GLC's starting price.
- You need the increased power advantage of 287 hp, which tops the GLC's 255 hp output.
- You are willing to sacrifice 6 combined MPG for a significantly larger overall vehicle footprint.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.7" | 199.2" |
| Width | 74.4" | 78.0" |
| Height | 64.6" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 113.7" | 116.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 260 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 5 | — |
| 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-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 | — | 58.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.7 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Which crossover costs more to run daily based on fuel?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (car1) requires premium fuel, which is inherently more expensive than the Hyundai Palisade's (car2) regular unleaded. Additionally, the GLC's 27 combined MPG is less efficient than the Palisade's 21 MPG.
Does the size difference mean the Palisade has more usable storage?
Surprisingly, no; the GLC-Class offers 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the larger Palisade only provides 19.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up.
What is the horsepower difference between these two vehicles?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is more powerful, producing 287 hp, which is 32 horsepower more than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class’s 255 hp output.
Which vehicle handles better when pushed hard?
Based on specifications, the GLC-Class is likely better for enthusiastic driving due to its superior torque output of 295 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 260 lb-ft.
Is the fuel requirement a major deciding factor between the two?
Yes, the GLC requires premium unleaded gasoline, which adds to the long-term running cost, while the Palisade runs on regular unleaded fuel.
How significant is the price disparity between the 2025 GLC-Class and the 2026 Palisade?
The price gap is substantial, with the Palisade starting at $39,435 and the GLC at $49,250, resulting in a $9,815 difference in entry cost.
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