Compare the2022 Mercedes GLCVS 2022 Lexus RX

The GLC’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GLC and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes GLC is safer than the Lexus RX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes GLC is safer than the Lexus RX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the GLC its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 116 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The RX is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2019.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GLC’s warranty.

The GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 5 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 268) than the RX 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLC is faster than the Lexus RX:

On the EPA test cycle the GLC gets better mileage than the RX:

Both the GLC and the RX Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All GLCs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the RX.

For better stopping power the GLC’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RX:

The GLC stops much shorter than the RX:

For better traction, the GLC’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (255/45R20 vs. 235/65R18).

The GLC’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s standard 65 series tires. The GLC’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the RX’s optional 55 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the GLC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The GLC’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The RX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLC’s wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the RX (113.1 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

The GLC’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (53% to 47%) than the RX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the GLC more stable handling and braking.

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .85 G’s, while the RX 450h pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLC 300 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RX 450h (26.6 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The Mercedes GLC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 850 pounds less than the Lexus RX.

The GLC is 9.2 inches shorter than the RX, making the GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the GLC uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The RX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GLC has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (19.4 vs. 16 cubic feet). The GLC has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (56.5 vs. 32.6 cubic feet).

The GLC’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

The engine in the GLC is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the RX, the GLC offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLC to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLC’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the RX’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

The GLC’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The RX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

and e Mercedes GLC comes in four door bodystyles; the Lexus RX isn’t available as a .

Insurance will cost less for the GLC owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the GLC will cost $745 to $4040 less than the RX over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLC is less expensive to operate than the RX because typical repairs cost much less on the GLC than the RX, including $295 less for a water pump, $54 less for a starter, $1652 less for a timing belt/chain and $914 less for a power steering pump.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its August 2016 issue and they ranked the Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC first. They ranked the Lexus RX 350 third.

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The RX has never been chosen.