2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Comparison Overview
When faced with choosing between the practical 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the upscale 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB, buyers often weigh initial cost versus running expenses and sheer size. The Palisade starts at a compelling MSRP of $39,435, significantly undercutting the GLB's $43,800 price tag. Power seekers will immediately notice the Palisade packs 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the GLB's 221 hp. However, this power comes at a cost to fuel economy; the Palisade achieves only 21 combined MPG, whereas the GLB boasts a much thriftier 28 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the Palisade is larger at 199.2 inches long, though the GLB surprisingly offers more usable space with 22 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade’s 19.1 cu ft. This comparison boils down to balancing premium branding and efficiency against raw size and budget.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating, offering substantial long-term fuel savings.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The larger 2026 Hyundai Palisade, with its extra 6.8 inches in length, likely provides a more comfortable experience for families needing maximum interior space.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers significantly more spirited driving dynamics thanks to its 287 hp output compared to the GLB's 221 hp.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade presents better initial value, saving buyers $4,365 upfront while delivering substantially more horsepower.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You prioritize high engine output, specifically needing the 287 hp available in the Palisade.
- Your budget requires staying under $40,000, as the Palisade starts at $39,435.
- You need the longest body in this comparison, measuring 199.2 inches in length.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLB achieves a 7 MPG advantage with 28 combined MPG.
- You prefer premium aesthetics and can afford the higher $43,800 MSRP.
- You desire the better-packaged cargo area, which offers 22 cubic feet versus the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.2" | 182.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 72.2" |
| Height | 69.5" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 111.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/25 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 361.0/475.0 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.2 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.4 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| 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 | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.0 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.7 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Is the extra cost of the Mercedes-Benz GLB justified by its fuel savings?
The GLB costs $4,365 more initially, but it achieves 28 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 21 MPG. Depending on your annual mileage, the 7 MPG difference could recoup that cost over several years, especially since the GLB requires premium fuel.
Which vehicle offers more actual driving power?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the clear winner here, producing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is 66 hp more than the GLB’s 221 hp.
Does the smaller GLB actually hold more cargo?
Yes, surprisingly, the smaller 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers 22 cubic feet of cargo capacity, surpassing the larger 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s 19.1 cubic feet.
Are there major differences in the transmissions used?
The Palisade uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the GLB utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which can offer a different feel during shifts.
Which vehicle is better for drivers who commute long distances daily?
For daily commuting, the GLB is likely the better choice because of its superior highway MPG of 33, compared to the Palisade's 25 MPG highway figure.
How does the required fuel type affect the ownership cost?
The Palisade accepts regular unleaded, which is typically less expensive per gallon than the premium unleaded fuel mandated by the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool