Compare the2022 Mercedes GLCVS 2022 Lexus NX

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 NX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GLC and the NX 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.

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 vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the GLC the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 145 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The NX has not been tested, yet.

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 52 more horsepower (255 vs. 203) and 89 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 184) than the NX 250’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 16 more horsepower (255 vs. 239) than the NX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

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

Both the GLC and the NX 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. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The GLC has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (17.4 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 NX.

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

The GLC stops much shorter than the NX:

For better traction, the GLC’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the NX (255/45R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The GLC’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX’s optional 50 series tires.

The GLC offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the NX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

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 NX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLC’s wheelbase is 7.2 inches longer than on the NX (113.1 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

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

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .85 G’s, while the NX 450h AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLC 300 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the NX 450h AWD (26.6 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

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 NX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GLC has 1 inch more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear legroom and 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The GLC has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (56.5 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLC easier. The GLC’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.8 inches, while the NX’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

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

The engine in the GLC is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the NX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the NX, 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.

The GLC’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the NX.

The power windows standard on both the GLC and the NX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLC is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The GLC’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The NX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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 NX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLC to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The NX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLC offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The NX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mercedes GLC, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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