2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$40,320 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota Highlander (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC (car2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Highlander starting at $40,320 compared to the GLC's $49,550, a $9,230 difference. Performance specs favor the Highlander slightly, posting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the GLC exhibits superior efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined, while the Highlander manages 25 MPG combined, though the Highlander uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel. In terms of utility, the GLC offers 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Despite its smaller physical footprint—185.7 inches long versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches—the GLC provides better usable interior volume, highlighting key trade-offs in size versus packaging.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC provides 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more usable storage space than the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers higher peak torque output at 310 lb-ft compared to the GLC's 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander presents a lower entry barrier with an MSRP that is $9,230 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Budget is the primary concern, as the $40,320 MSRP is substantially lower than the competition.
You prefer lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel over premium unleaded required by car2.
Maximum length is necessary, as the Highlander measures 194.9 inches compared to the GLC's 185.7 inches.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 27 MPG combined rating versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.
Maximum cargo space is required, as the GLC boasts 21.9 cu ft versus 16 cu ft.
You desire a premium transmission setup utilizing a 9-speed automatic compared to the Highlander's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	194.9"	185.7"
Width	76.0"	74.4"
Height	68.1"	64.6"
Wheelbase	112.2"	113.1"

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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	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	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	5
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-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	—	10-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.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	56.6 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	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

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 GLC.

How does the fuel requirement impact long-term ownership costs between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Highlander uses regular unleaded gasoline, which typically costs less per gallon than the premium unleaded fuel required by the 2026 GLC. However, the GLC achieves 27 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 25 MPG, meaning buyers must weigh lower fuel price against slightly higher efficiency when calculating annual expenditures.

Which vehicle has better acceleration based on the provided specifications?

Based purely on torque figures, the 2025 Highlander has a slight edge with 310 lb-ft compared to the GLC’s 295 lb-ft, suggesting potentially stronger low-end pulling power for passing maneuvers.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC physically smaller than the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the GLC is significantly more compact; it measures 185.7 inches in length, making it over 9 inches shorter than the Highlander's 194.9 inches, and it is also narrower and shorter in height.

How much more cargo space does the Mercedes-Benz GLC offer?

The 2026 GLC offers substantially more cargo room at 21.9 cubic feet, exceeding the 16 cubic feet available in the 2025 Highlander by nearly 6 cubic feet.

What is the primary difference in the driving setup for commuting purposes?

The Highlander features a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the GLC comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Considering the price difference, what justifies the $9,230 premium for the GLC?

The price premium for the 2026 GLC likely reflects the inclusion of premium badging and components, evidenced by its superior cargo volume (21.9 cu ft vs. 16 cu ft) and better base fuel economy (27 MPG vs. 25 MPG).