Compare the2025 Mercedes GLCVS 2024 Nissan Murano

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLC have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Nissan Murano doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

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 Murano doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The GLC has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Murano doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

With its available Active Distance Assist Distronic, the Mercedes GLC is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Nissan Murano, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	GLC	Murano
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-23 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-27 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	2.1 sec	1.5 sec
37 MPH Low beams	-26 MPH	-20 MPH

The GLC has standard Post-Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Murano doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the GLC 4MATIC’s standard Downhill Speed Regulation allows you to creep down safely. The Murano doesn’t offer Downhill Speed Regulation.

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 Murano doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the GLC and Murano have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLC has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Murano’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the GLC and the Murano have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mercedes GLC is much safer than the Murano:

	GLC	Murano
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	POOR
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	108	286
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	402 lbs.
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.55 in	1.65 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.94 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	9 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	736 lbs.	1138 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Force	67 lbs.	178 lbs.
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mercedes GLC achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Murano is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The GLC comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Murano’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the GLC has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Murano’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The GLC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 240) than the Murano’s 3.5 DOHC V6. The GLC 350e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 53 more horsepower (313 vs. 260) and 166 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 240) than the Murano’s 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the GLC 300 is faster than the Nissan Murano:

	GLC	Murano
Zero to 60 MPH	5.7 sec	7.5 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	16.2 sec	19.4 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.6 sec	7.6 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.6 sec	3.8 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.5 sec	4.9 sec
Quarter Mile	14.4 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	95 MPH	92 MPH
Top Speed	130 MPH	119 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLC running on electricity gets better mileage than the Murano:

			MPGe
GLC
	AWD	350e Electric Motor	60 city/70 hwy
Murano
			MPG
	FWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy
	AWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the GLC running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Murano:

			MPG
GLC
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/32 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/31 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/28 hwy
Murano
	FWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy
	AWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy

The GLC 350e can travel with zero emissions for 54 miles. The Murano can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the GLC’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Murano doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLC higher (6 out of 10) than the Nissan Murano (5). This means the GLC produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Murano every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	GLC	Murano
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	12.1 inches

The GLC stops shorter than the Murano:

	GLC	Murano
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	115 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLC’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Murano (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 Murano SV’s standard 65 series tires. The GLC’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Murano Midnight/SL/Platinum’s 55 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

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

The GLC has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Murano doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

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 Murano doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLC’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the Murano (113.1 inches vs. 111.2 inches).

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .88 G’s, while the Murano Platinum AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLC 300 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Murano Platinum AWD (27.3 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .64 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLC has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Murano (8.2 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the GLC to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The GLC is 7.1 inches shorter than the Murano, making the GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes GLC amounts to more than styling. The GLC has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the Murano (.31) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLC get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The GLC has 1.4 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, 3.6 inches more front hip room and 3.1 inches more rear hip room than the Murano.

Towing

The GLC’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Murano’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Murano doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

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

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Murano SL/Platinum, 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.

The GLC offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Murano doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GLC’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Murano’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the GLC and the Murano 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 Murano prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The GLC’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Murano’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The GLC’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Murano doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

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 Murano’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer fluid is optional on the GLC to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The Murano doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the GLC offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Murano doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The GLC’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Murano SV/Midnight/SL/Platinum.

The GLC’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Murano has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Mercedes GLC and Nissan Murano offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The GLC features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Murano’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The Mercedes GLC has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Nissan charges extra for Homelink® on the Murano.

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 Murano.

The GLC’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Murano doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

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

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Nissan Murano by 29% during 2023.

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