2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$49,250 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a luxury compact crossover and a highly efficient three-row offering can be tough, especially when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The GLC starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $49,250 but provides a spirited 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Highlander Hybrid, starting at $47,020, dominates efficiency, achieving an excellent 35 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel, which is an 8 MPG advantage over the GLC’s 27 combined MPG that demands premium fuel. While the GLC is physically smaller at 185.7 inches long, the Highlander is substantially larger at 194.9 inches, though its 16 cu ft cargo area trails the Mercedes’ 21.9 cu ft capacity. The power difference is subtle, but the cost savings at the pump over several years strongly favor the Toyota.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Highlander Hybrid is the superior choice for commuters due to its phenomenal 35 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid wins for families because it is notably larger in overall dimensions, measuring 194.9 inches long and 68.1 inches tall.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2025 GLC-Class appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid offers greater overall value by having a lower MSRP of $47,020 and achieving significantly better fuel economy.

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

You prioritize a more engaging drive and premium feel, benefiting from 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle with a smaller footprint (185.7 inches long).
You desire more standard cargo space right behind the rear seats, offering 21.9 cubic feet.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, thanks to the segment-leading 35 MPG combined rating.
You must use regular unleaded fuel instead of premium, saving money on every fill-up.
You need the benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a higher ride height (68.1 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.	8 yr./ 100000 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 Hybrid.

How much more fuel will the Mercedes GLC-Class cost me yearly compared to the Highlander Hybrid?

The GLC achieves 27 MPG combined while requiring premium fuel, whereas the Highlander Hybrid gets 35 MPG combined on regular unleaded. That 8 MPG difference, plus the premium fuel surcharge, results in significantly higher annual running costs for the Mercedes.

Which vehicle has better performance acceleration?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers noticeably more power with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 243 horsepower.

Is the extra size of the 2026 Toyota Highlander worth the trade-off in cargo space?

The Highlander is physically larger overall, but its usable cargo area behind the second row is smaller at 16 cubic feet, compared to the GLC's 21.9 cubic feet.

Do I get All-Wheel Drive standard on both crossovers?

No, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is listed with Rear Wheel Drive as the standard configuration.

What is the primary difference in transmissions between these two models?

The Mercedes GLC uses a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering distinct gear steps, while the Highlander Hybrid uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Does the higher MSRP of the GLC translate into a better value proposition?

While the GLC has luxury features, the Highlander Hybrid provides better financial value due to its lower $47,020 MSRP and superior long-term fuel savings from its hybrid system.