2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between compact luxury convenience and traditional family space is a common hurdle when shopping for a new crossover. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB, starting at $43,800, prioritizes efficiency and maneuverability, boasting a combined 28 MPG and smaller dimensions (182.4 inches long). Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander, priced higher at $45,270, offers substantially more muscle with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, albeit settling for only 24 MPG combined. While the GLB requires premium unleaded fuel, the Highlander accepts regular. Power delivery differs significantly, with the GLB generating 221 hp compared to the Highlander’s notable 44 hp advantage. The tradeoff for size and power is space: the GLB offers 22 cu ft of cargo capacity while the larger Highlander manages only 16 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The GLB wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller footprint making city driving easier.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is better suited for families despite its smaller cargo space (16 cu ft) because it offers significantly more horsepower (265 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will favor the Highlander for its higher output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The GLB offers better running costs through superior mileage (28 MPG vs 24 MPG) despite requiring premium fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- You want to maximize fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG.
- Your budget requires a lower starting MSRP of $43,800.
- You frequently park in tight city spots, benefiting from its 182.4-inch length.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You need the extra grunt, utilizing its 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is essential for your driving conditions.
- You prefer to refuel using cheaper regular unleaded gasoline.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLB | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.4" | 194.9" |
| Width | 72.2" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.7" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.4" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/33 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/524.7 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 59.0 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 |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.2 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P235/65R V |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Which vehicle is better for covering long highway distances efficiently?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is the more efficient choice, posting 33 MPG highway compared to the Highlander's 28 MPG highway. However, remember the GLB mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel.
Does the GLB's smaller size mean significantly less practical interior space?
Surprisingly, no; the GLB offers 22 cubic feet of cargo space, which is actually 6 cubic feet more than the physically larger 2026 Toyota Highlander’s 16 cubic feet capacity.
How much more power does the Highlander provide over the GLB?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers 265 horsepower, giving it a significant 44 hp advantage over the GLB's 221 hp rating.
Which crossover saves more money on fuel at the pump?
The Highlander generally saves more per fill-up since it uses regular unleaded gasoline, while the GLB requires premium fuel, which usually costs more per gallon.
Is the difference in handling significantly impacted by the standard drivetrain?
Yes, the Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering better traction in poor weather compared to the GLB’s standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
How do the transmissions compare between these two crossovers?
Both utilize an 8-speed design, but the GLB features an automated manual transmission, whereas the Highlander uses a traditional shiftable automatic.
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