Compare the2024 Mercedes GLCVS 2024 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.

The GLC has standard NECK-PRO front head restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the NECK-PRO front head restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLC offers optional Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The RX doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GLC has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Active Brake Assist, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Parking Support Brake costs extra on the RX.

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.

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 hybrid produces 9 more horsepower (255 vs. 246) and 62 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 233) than the RX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

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 running its gasoline engine:

Both the GLC and the RX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights 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 RX 350h/500h doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The GLC has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX 450+’s standard fuel tank (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 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 (F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20 vs. 235/60R19).

The GLC’s optional 255/45R20 front and 285/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s optional 50 series tires.

The GLC has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The RX base model’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

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.

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .88 G’s, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLC 300 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the RX 350h (27.3 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

The GLC is 6.8 inches shorter than the RX, making the GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLC has 1.8 inches more front headroom, 2.3 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 2.3 inches more rear hip room and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the RX.

The GLC has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

The GLC’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (5291 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 the accessory belts are in front.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport, the GLC has standard driver and 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.

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

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLC has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the RX.

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