2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$49,250 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates with refined luxury and efficiency, boasting 27 combined MPG, whereas the new 2026 Mazda CX-70 thrills with raw output, delivering a punchy 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. This comparison pits German prestige against Japanese athleticism. While the Mercedes starts at a premium, commanding an MSRP of $49,250, the CX-70 undercuts it significantly at $42,250, saving $7,000 right away. The Mazda is also physically larger at 200.8 inches long, contrasting with the GLC-Class's 185.7 inches, and offers substantially more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft. However, the GLC maintains efficiency superiority, achieving 32 MPG on the highway versus the CX-70's 28 MPG, despite needing premium fuel for its 255 hp engine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and smoother expected ride quality.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the clear family choice, offering a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity against the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with higher output, offering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 presents exceptional value by offering $7,000 lower MSRP and superior power figures for everyday driving.

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

You prioritize efficiency and can leverage the 32 highway MPG delivered by the GLC-Class.
You seek the prestige and interior refinement associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, starting at $49,250.
Rear-wheel drive handling dynamics are preferred over the standard All-Wheel Drive system of the competitor.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum utility is essential, as evidenced by the expansive 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want immediate accessible power, benefiting from the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque utilizing regular unleaded fuel.
Sticking to a stricter budget is necessary, given the $7,000 lower starting MSRP of $42,250.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Mazda CX-70
Length	185.7"	200.8"
Width	74.4"	-
Height	64.6"	68.2"
Wheelbase	113.7"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mazda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	5	8
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	59.2 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	8-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	—	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

What is the major performance gap between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 holds a distinct advantage in power, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda has 25 more horsepower readily available.

How does cargo space compare for hauling gear?

The Mazda CX-70 offers substantially more room for luggage and gear, providing a cavernous 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is much tighter inside, offering only 21.9 cubic feet.

Which vehicle is more economical to run on fuel?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins the economy battle with a combined rating of 27 MPG versus the CX-70’s 25 MPG combined. However, the GLC strictly requires premium fuel, whereas the CX-70 uses regular unleaded.

Is the size difference between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, the Mazda CX-70 is considerably larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the GLC-Class's 185.7 inches. This extra length contributes to its superior cargo volume.

How large is the price discrepancy between the two luxury contenders?

There is a notable $7,000 price difference favoring the Mazda, which starts at $42,250. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class begins its pricing journey at $49,250.

What are the key differences in their drivetrain setups?

The GLC-Class is set up with a rear-wheel-drive architecture and a 9-speed automatic transmission, emphasizing classic sporty balance. The CX-70 comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for enhanced traction.