Compare the2023 Mercedes GLBVS 2022 Lexus RX

The GLB’s optional 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 GLB 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, front wheel drive, 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, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

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 GLB’s warranty.

The GLB 250’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. ) than the RX 450h’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Mercedes GLB is faster than the RX 350 3.5 DOHC V6:

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

Both the GLB and the RX 450h have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All GLBs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The RX doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The GLB stops much shorter than the RX:

The GLB’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s standard 65 series tires. The GLB’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 available on the GLB 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 GLB’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 GLB’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the RX (111.4 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .89 G’s, while the RX 350 F Sport AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 850 pounds less than the Lexus RX.

The GLB is 10.1 inches shorter than the RX, making the GLB easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the RX can only carry 5.

The GLB has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear legroom than the RX.

The GLB’s cargo area provides more volume than the RX.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the RX, the GLB has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, suspension setting, power steering assist, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLB offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RX.

The GLB’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The RX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the GLB owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the GLB will cost $340 to $2195 less than the RX over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes GLB will be $358 to $5755 less than for the Lexus RX.