Compare the2022 Lexus RXVS 2022 Mercedes GLC

The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GLC doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX offers optional Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The GLC doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The RX’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the GLC.

Both the RX and the GLC 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 and around view monitors.

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 Lexus RX is safer than the Mercedes GLC:

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

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the GLC. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the GLC ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the GLC’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RX’s reliability 13 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium SUVs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The GLC isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

The RX 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 40 more horsepower (295 vs. 255) than the GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 53 more horsepower (308 vs. 255) than the GLC’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 350 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the Mercedes GLC:

On the EPA test cycle the RX 450h 3.5 V6 Hybrid CVT AWD gets better fuel mileage than the GLC 300 4MATIC (31 city/28 hwy vs. 21 city/28 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the RX Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GLC doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The RX’s standard fuel tank has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC (19.2 vs. 17.4 gallons).

The RX 450h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The GLC doesn’t offer a CVT.

The RX stops shorter than the GLC:

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The GLC’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For greater off-road capability the RX has a 3.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GLC (8.2 vs. 5 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the RX has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The GLC uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The design of the Lexus RX amounts to more than styling. The RX has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .33 Cd. That is lower than the GLC (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the RX get better fuel mileage.

The RX has 1.6 inches more front headroom, 3.3 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, .7 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 6th.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the GLC only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Insurance will cost less for the RX owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the RX with a number “5” insurance rate while the GLC is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

The RX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RX will retain 57.1% to 58.62% of its original price after five years, while the GLC only retains 51.03% to 51.13%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the RX is less expensive to operate than the GLC because it costs $164 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the RX than the GLC, including $146 less for a muffler, $123 less for front brake pads, $243 less for fuel injection, $58 less for a fuel pump and $355 less for front struts.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus RX outsold the Mercedes GLC by over two to one during the 2021 model year.