2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$40,320 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The big question when looking at the 2025 Toyota Highlander versus the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is whether practicality and raw power matter more than European refinement and superior fuel economy. The Highlander comes in at a lower MSRP of $40,320, offering a robust 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque right out of the gate, which is significantly more oomph than the GLB's 221 hp. However, the GLB claws back ground with efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Highlander's 25 MPG combined, although the Mercedes demands premium fuel. Furthermore, despite being physically smaller overall at 182.4 inches long versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches, the GLB offers superior utility with 22 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Choosing between these two means weighing upfront power and price savings against long-term running costs and clever packaging.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The GLB offers more accessible utility with 22 cu ft of cargo space, trumping the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander provides considerably more performance with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers a $3,480 lower starting MSRP and uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prioritize raw power, needing the 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for towing or passing.
You want to save $3,480 on the initial purchase price, starting at $40,320.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Your priority is efficiency, benefiting from the GLB's 28 MPG combined rating.
You need smarter packaging, as the smaller GLB provides 22 cu ft of cargo space versus 16 cu ft in the Highlander.
You desire the prestige and driving dynamics associated with a Mercedes-Benz, despite having less horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	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	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.2 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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	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
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

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	58.7 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P235/65R V	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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.
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Does the Highlander’s extra size translate to better family storage than the GLB?

Surprisingly, no; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB actually packs better cargo utility with 22 cu ft available compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 16 cu ft. While the Highlander is longer at 194.9 inches, the GLB appears to utilize its footprint more efficiently for hauling gear.

Which car will save me more money on fuel expenses over a year?

The GLB is likely cheaper to run day-to-day, netting 28 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 25 MPG combined. However, you must factor in that the GLB strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, while the Highlander takes regular unleaded.

Is the power difference between these two crossovers significant?

Yes, the difference is quite noticeable; the Highlander boasts 265 hp, giving it a 44 hp advantage over the GLB's 221 hp. If you enjoy having more grunt, the Highlander delivers superior acceleration.

How does the starting price ($40,320 vs $43,800) impact the final decision?

The Highlander saves you $3,480 right at the lot, which is a substantial amount that could cover several years of extra fuel costs for the GLB. This makes the Highlander the better entry point if budget is a primary concern.

Are the transmissions different between the two models?

They are; the 2025 Highlander uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 GLB features an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which might offer a slightly different feel during shifts.