2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$49,250 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking a luxury crossover often boils down to balancing prestige against practical savings, and that’s exactly the dilemma facing shoppers comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the all-new 2026 Nissan Murano. The GLC-Class enters with a starting MSRP of $49,250, offering 255 hp and better efficiency at 27 combined MPG, though it mandates premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Murano starts significantly lower at $41,670, boasting a massive 32.9 cu ft of cargo space—nearly 11 cubic feet more than the Mercedes’ 21.9 cu ft. While the Mercedes provides a punchier 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Murano’s 260 lb-ft, the Nissan includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) compared to the GLC’s standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). This $7,580 price gap and the Murano's superior utility make it a strong contender against the badge appeal of the German entry.

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 fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

Families will prefer the Murano because it offers significantly more space with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC-Class’s 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Enthusiasts leaning toward performance will favor the GLC-Class for its higher output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano offers better value by saving buyers $7,580 in initial cost and including standard AWD.

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

You prioritize driving dynamics and need the higher output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You seek better daily running costs through superior efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the highway.
You desire the prestige and driving characteristic associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge, despite the required premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You need maximum hauling ability, leveraging the Murano’s large 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
All-wheel drive capability is a must, as the Murano includes it standard while the GLC-Class is RWD standard.
Budget is a major concern, as the Murano saves you $7,580 compared to the Mercedes' starting price.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Nissan Murano
Length	185.7"	192.9"
Width	74.4"	78.0"
Height	64.6"	67.9"
Wheelbase	113.7"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
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	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Nissan
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
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.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	18.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
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	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	12.3 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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	60.8 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	6-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	—	56.9 in.

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	56.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Nissan
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 Nissan Murano.

Is the extra cost of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class worth it over the 2026 Nissan Murano?

That depends on your priorities; the GLC-Class costs $7,580 more upfront but offers 4 MPG better efficiency (27 combined vs. 23 combined). If badge prestige and a slight power bump are crucial, the extra cost might be justifiable.

Which crossover is better equipped for bad weather driving?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is better equipped off the bat because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class comes standard with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), meaning AWD would be an extra cost.

How much larger is the cargo area between these two models?

The difference is substantial: the 2026 Nissan Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo volume. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class provides only 21.9 cu ft, giving the Nissan a nearly 50% advantage in storage space.

Do I have to use expensive gas in both crossovers?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 255 hp engine. Fortunately, the 2026 Nissan Murano operates perfectly well on more affordable regular unleaded fuel.

If I drive a lot of highway miles, which car saves me more money on gas?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class will save you money on the highway, delivering 32 MPG compared to the Murano's 27 MPG. Although the GLC requires premium fuel, its better overall efficiency might offset that cost over long distances.

How do their physical sizes compare, especially for city parking?

The 2025 GLC-Class is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 185.7 inches long and 74.4 inches wide. The 2026 Murano is noticeably larger and wider at 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, which might be a factor in tight city parking scenarios.