2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid electrifies sensible family hauling with its phenomenal 35 MPG combined fuel economy, drawing power from its 243 hp hybrid system while utilizing standard all-wheel drive. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB tempts drivers with German luxury appeal, featuring a capable 221 hp engine and a more manageable 182.4-inch length, though it demands premium fuel and returns only 28 MPG combined. The Highlander offers superior efficiency and more space, boasting 16 cubic feet of cargo room versus the GLB's 22 cubic feet in the base configuration. Price-wise, the Highlander starts at $46,820, slightly higher than the GLB's $43,800 MSRP, yet the Toyota's significantly lower running costs from the 7 MPG advantage offset this initial premium over time. Enthusiasts will find the Highlander offers marginally more power at 243 hp compared to the GLB's 221 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid's exceptional 35 MPG combined efficiency makes it the clear winner for daily, cost-effective commuting.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a slightly more maneuverable size (182.4 inches long) and a more appealing base MSRP of $43,800 for budget-conscious families.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid delivers higher peak output with 243 hp and comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering better dynamic capability than the FWD GLB.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Despite a $3,020 higher starting price, the Highlander Hybrid's substantial 7 MPG fuel economy advantage on regular unleaded fuel promises better long-term operational value.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximum fuel economy is critical, with the Highlander delivering a consistent 35 MPG across city and highway driving.
- You need the confidence of standard all-wheel drive for varying weather conditions.
- You prefer the slightly higher output of 243 horsepower in a hybrid configuration.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- A lower initial purchase price of $43,800 is a primary concern for acquisition.
- You prioritize maximum primary cargo capacity, as the GLB offers 22 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet.
- You prefer the traditional shifting feel of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 182.4" |
| Width | 76.0" | 72.2" |
| Height | 68.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 111.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 598.5/598.5 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P235/65R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
How significant is the fuel cost difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial: the Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the GLB is rated at 28 MPG combined and mandates premium fuel. This 7 MPG gap, coupled with the fuel type difference, means the Toyota will cost considerably less to run over 50,000 miles.
Which vehicle offers a better power advantage for acceleration?
The 2025 Highlander Hybrid holds the edge with 243 horsepower compared to the 2026 GLB's 221 horsepower. While the GLB offers 258 lb-ft of torque, the Toyota’s higher overall power figure gives it a minor performance advantage.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB significantly smaller than the Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, the GLB is considerably more compact, measuring 182.4 inches in length compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. This makes the GLB easier to manage in tight urban parking scenarios.
Why does the Highlander Hybrid command a higher starting MSRP ($46,820 vs $43,800)?
The $3,020 premium for the Toyota is likely attributed to its standard hybrid powertrain components and standard all-wheel drive capability, features the Mercedes-Benz typically reserves for higher trims or presents with front-wheel drive in the base configuration.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLB offer more usable storage space?
Based on the provided figures, the GLB is more practical for cargo, offering 22 cubic feet of capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet. However, the Highlander is significantly larger overall in exterior dimensions.
What is the main difference in their transmission setups?
The Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) geared towards maximizing efficiency, whereas the GLB utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which often provides more distinct gear shifts for a traditional driving feel.
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