2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$49,550 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC (car1) and the 2026 Toyota Highlander (car2) is the MSRP, with the GLC starting at $49,550, representing a $4,280 premium over the Highlander's $45,270 base price. Despite the lower cost, the Highlander offers slightly superior output with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the GLC substantially, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 24 combined MPG, though the GLC demands premium unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the Highlander is the larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 68.1 inches in height, while the GLC provides more usable storage with 21.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. The GLC utilizes a rear-wheel-drive platform standard, contrasting with the Highlander's standard all-wheel-drive capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The GLC wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is better suited for families as it is significantly larger overall and includes standard all-wheel drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander delivers slightly higher power figures, generating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers more horsepower and standard AWD for $4,280 less than the starting MSRP of the GLC.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

Fuel efficiency is a priority, evidenced by the GLC's 27 combined MPG rating.
Maximum cargo utility is required, as the GLC offers 21.9 cu ft versus 16 cu ft in the Highlander.
The driver prefers the standard RWD layout and the refinement associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge, despite the premium fuel requirement.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Standard all-wheel drive capability for varied conditions is necessary, as the Highlander includes it standard.
Budget is strictly controlled, given the $45,270 MSRP is $4,280 less than the GLC.
Maximum passenger and overall exterior space is needed, highlighted by the Highlander's 194.9-inch length and 68.1-inch height.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power 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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear 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)	24/32 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	59.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-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	10-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	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

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 GLC and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Does the 2026 GLC or Highlander offer better standard drivetrain security?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander (car2) includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making it inherently more equipped for low-traction scenarios than the standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC (car1).

Which vehicle will cost more to run based on fuel type?

The GLC requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically carries a higher cost per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the Highlander. This, combined with the GLC's slightly better 27 MPG versus 24 MPG, means the true running cost difference needs careful evaluation based on local fuel prices.

Is there a significant difference in usable space between these two crossovers?

Yes, the GLC provides substantially more dedicated cargo space at 21.9 cubic feet compared to the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet, suggesting the GLC better handles luggage or groceries.

How much more powerful is the Highlander than the GLC?

The 2026 Highlander generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 10 hp and 15 lb-ft advantage over the GLC's output.

How does the size difference impact the vehicles externally?

The Highlander is notably larger, boasting a length of 194.9 inches and a height of 68.1 inches, making it considerably bulkier than the GLC's dimensions of 185.7 inches in length and 64.6 inches in height.