2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$44,750 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Honda Passport charges into the arena boasting raw power with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, delivering a more rugged, traditional AWD experience aimed at adventure, all starting at an accessible $44,750. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC aims for sophisticated efficiency, offering a remarkable 27 combined MPG, substantially beating the Passport's 21 MPG, though it demands premium fuel. While the Passport dwarfs the GLC in physical presence, measuring 191.5 inches long versus the GLC's 185.7 inches, the Mercedes counters with superior torque delivery (295 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft) from its smaller 255 hp engine. This comparison pits rugged utility and base price ($44,750 for Passport) against refined efficiency and a $4,800 higher initial cost for the GLC ($49,550), showcasing two vastly different takes on the modern crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the clear winner for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Passport's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The Passport offers superior practicality with a much larger cargo volume of 44 cu ft, offering substantially more space than the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

Enthusiasts seeking immediate grunt will prefer the Passport's higher peak horsepower rating of 285 hp over the GLC's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Passport

The Passport offers greater size and power for a substantially lower entry price, saving the buyer $4,800 upfront.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You prioritize maximum hauling capability, as the Passport delivers 44 cu ft of cargo space.
You want a lower entry price point, starting at $44,750 versus the GLC's $49,550.
You need the immediate punch of higher peak power, boasting 285 hp.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

Fuel economy is paramount, given the GLC achieves 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded.
You prefer a more torque-dense power delivery, achieving 295 lb-ft versus the Passport's 262 lb-ft.
You favor a more compact footprint for urban driving, measuring 185.7 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Passport	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	191.5"	185.7"
Width	79.4"	74.4"
Height	73.1"	64.6"
Wheelbase	113.6"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/25 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/462.5 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	225W	—
Speaker System	9	5
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	10-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.7 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway travel based on efficiency?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is superior for highway mileage, achieving an estimated 32 MPG compared to the Passport's 25 MPG highway rating. However, the Passport utilizes regular unleaded, whereas the GLC strictly requires premium fuel.

How much larger is the 2026 Honda Passport than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The Passport is significantly larger, being 5.8 inches longer (191.5 inches vs 185.7 inches) and substantially taller by 8.5 inches (73.1 inches vs 64.6 inches). This size difference translates directly into its much larger 44 cu ft cargo capacity.

Does the difference in horsepower translate to a faster driving experience in the Passport?

The Passport has 30 more horsepower (285 hp vs 255 hp), suggesting better acceleration potential. However, the GLC fights back with 33 more lb-ft of torque (295 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft), which could lead to better initial responsiveness despite the power deficit.

What is the major financial difference between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a $4,800 higher MSRP, starting at $49,550 compared to the Passport's $44,750. Buyers must also factor in the GLC's mandatory premium fuel requirement versus the Passport's use of regular unleaded.

Which vehicle is better equipped for light off-roading or rough terrain?

The 2026 Honda Passport is generally better suited due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system and significantly greater height (73.1 inches), offering superior ground clearance over the RWD-based GLC.

How does the transmission differ between the two models?

The Passport employs a robust 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing more gear ratios for optimized power delivery. The GLC uses a slightly less aggressive 9-speed shiftable automatic.