2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$44,175 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2026 Lexus NX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB often comes down to prioritizing fuel economy versus perceived luxury, especially when comparing the base FWD models. The common dilemma is choosing practicality for the long haul or brand cachet. The Lexus NX pulls ahead significantly in efficiency, boasting a combined 40 MPG compared to the GLB's 28 MPG—a massive 12 MPG difference that translates to substantial annual savings. However, the GLB undercuts the NX slightly on starting price at $43,800 versus the Lexus's $44,175 MSRP. The NX delivers a bit more power with 240 hp, while the GLB counters with 258 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles are nearly identical in size, with the NX measuring 183.5 inches long and offering 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making them close competitors for city life.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 40 combined MPG, drastically lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

The NX offers slightly more utility with 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers better low-end grunt with 258 lb-ft of torque, despite having less peak horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the value winner because it has a lower starting MSRP of $43,800, slightly undercutting the NX.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, as the NX achieves an impressive 40 combined MPG.
You prefer an automatic setup, as the NX uses a traditional continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
You want a marginally larger space for luggage, benefiting from 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

You want the lowest possible entry price point, as the GLB starts at $43,800.
You prefer the responsiveness of higher torque delivery, as the GLB offers 258 lb-ft.
You prefer driving on highways often, as the GLB achieves a respectable 33 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	183.5"	182.4"
Width	73.4"	72.2"
Height	66.1"	66.7"
Wheelbase	105.9"	111.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated 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 Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	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	240 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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/38 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	40 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	609.0/551.0 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Lexus NX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.

How big is the difference in fuel economy between the 2026 NX and GLB?

The difference is significant; the Lexus NX achieves 40 combined MPG, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB is rated at 28 combined MPG. This results in a substantial 12 MPG advantage for the Lexus on daily drives.

Does one car use premium fuel more strictly?

Yes, the 2026 Lexus NX lists premium unleaded as 'recommended' for its 240 hp engine. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB lists premium unleaded as 'required' for its 221 hp setup.

Which crossover has a lower starting price?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB has the lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $43,800. The 2026 Lexus NX starts slightly higher, priced at $44,175.

Are the size dimensions very different between these two FWD crossovers?

They are very close in external size. The NX is slightly longer at 183.5 inches versus the GLB's 182.4 inches, but the GLB is slightly taller at 66.7 inches compared to the NX's 66.1 inches.

Which car feels zippier off the line, based on specs?

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is likely to feel zippier in initial acceleration because it produces more torque, delivering 258 lb-ft, compared to the Lexus NX’s output.

What is the difference in cargo space for hauling gear?

The Lexus NX offers a slight edge in utility with 22.7 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers 22 cubic feet, making the difference negligible for most routine tasks.