2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$49,250 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between luxury refinement and ultimate utility often stalls buyers, especially when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ($49,250 MSRP) against the spacious 2026 Toyota Highlander ($45,270 MSRP). The GLC offers a more agile footprint at 185.7 inches long, perfectly suited for urban maneuvering, while delivering superior efficiency with a combined 27 MPG, though it demands premium fuel. Conversely, the larger Highlander, stretching 194.9 inches, boasts better raw power figures (265 hp vs. 255 hp) and utilizes more accessible regular unleaded gasoline. Although the Mercedes provides significantly more efficiency and prestige, the Highlander nets you an immediate $3,980 saving, making the utility debate center squarely on budget versus badge prestige and fuel economy differences.

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, offering fewer fuel stops despite its premium fuel requirement.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is better for families because its significantly larger 194.9-inch length and higher 68.1-inch height likely translate to better interior space, even with smaller stated cargo room (16 cu ft vs 21.9 cu ft in car1).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander edges out the competition for enthusiasts with higher torque (310 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft) and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers better value by saving the buyer $3,980 upfront while providing more horsepower and standard AWD.

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

You prioritize better fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint (185.7 inches long) for easier city parking and driving.
The prestige and refinement associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand are primary purchasing factors.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require the most power, with the Highlander offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save nearly $4,000 immediately, as the Highlander's MSRP is $45,270 versus $49,250 for the GLC.
You need the cost savings and convenience of using regular unleaded gasoline.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Toyota Highlander
Length	185.7"	194.9"
Width	74.4"	76.0"
Height	64.6"	68.1"
Wheelbase	113.7"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota
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	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	8.0 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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	59.0 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	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	—	57.2 in.

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Is the fuel requirement difference between the two crossovers significant for running costs?

Yes, the Mercedes GLC-Class requires premium unleaded gasoline, adding cost to every fill-up, whereas the Toyota Highlander accepts regular unleaded. While the GLC gets better mileage (27 MPG combined), the fuel type difference can negate some of those savings over several years.

Which vehicle offers more physical space for luggage?

The Mercedes GLC-Class technically lists more cargo capacity at 21.9 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. However, the 2026 Highlander is physically much larger in overall dimensions (194.9 inches long vs. 185.7 inches), suggesting potentially better passenger volume.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Highlander compared to the 2025 GLC-Class?

The Highlander holds a slight edge in performance metrics, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This compares to the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making the Highlander slightly stronger across the board.

Why might a commuter prefer the Mercedes GLC-Class despite its higher price?

Commuters often value maneuverability and efficiency; the GLC is nearly 10 inches shorter in length (185.7 inches) and delivers 27 combined MPG, making it an agile and slightly more economical choice for daily driving.

Does the standard drivetrain setup influence the winner for poor weather driving?

Yes, the Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which provides better traction assurance in snow or rain right off the lot, while the GLC defaults to Rear Wheel Drive, potentially requiring an added cost for AWD.

What is the direct MSRP savings when choosing the Highlander?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a starting MSRP of $45,270, offering an immediate savings of $3,980 compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which starts at $49,250.