Compare the2025 Mercedes GLC CoupeVS 2025 Mazda CX-5

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLC Coupe 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 Mazda CX-5 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The GLC Coupe’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-5 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The GLC Coupe 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 CX-5 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The GLC Coupe 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 CX-5 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 Coupe’s standard Downhill Speed Regulation allows you to creep down safely. The CX-5 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 Coupe has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the GLC Coupe and CX-5 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLC Coupe has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The CX-5’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the GLC Coupe and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available lane departure warning systems.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe weighs 417 to 609 pounds more than the Mazda CX-5. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe 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 CX-5 has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The GLC Coupe comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-5’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 Coupe has a 150-amp alternator. The CX-5’s standard 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 26 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Mazda.

Engine

The GLC Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 68 more horsepower (255 vs. 187) and 110 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 185) than the CX-5’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLC Coupe gets better mileage than the CX-5:

			MPG
GLC Coupe
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/31 hwy
CX-5
	AWD	S/Select/Preferred 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy
		2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/27 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the GLC Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The GLC Coupe has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-5 (16.4 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-5.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLC Coupe’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-5:

	GLC Coupe	CX-5	CX-5 Turbo
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	11.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	11.9 inches	11.9 inches

The GLC Coupe’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-5 are solid, not vented.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLC Coupe has larger standard tires than the CX-5 (235/55R19 vs. 225/65R17). The GLC Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-5 (F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20 vs. 225/65R17).

The GLC Coupe’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 CX-5’s standard 65 series tires. The GLC Coupe’s optional 255/40R21 front and 285/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLC Coupe has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-5. The GLC Coupe’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo.

Suspension and Handling

The GLC Coupe has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-5’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The GLC Coupe’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 CX-5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLC Coupe’s wheelbase is 7.5 inches longer than on the CX-5 (113.7 inches vs. 106.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLC Coupe is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-5.

For greater off-road capability the GLC Coupe has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo (8.2 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the GLC Coupe to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The GLC Coupe has .2 inches more front shoulder room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the CX-5.

Cargo Capacity

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GLC Coupe. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the GLC Coupe’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The GLC Coupe’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-5’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC Coupe 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 CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The GLC Coupe uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-5 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the GLC Coupe is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-5. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat in the CX-5 Preferred/Carbon/Premium/Turbo, the GLC Coupe 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 Coupe’s standard easy entry and exit feature raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the GLC Coupe and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLC Coupe is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the GLC Coupe the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-5 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GLC Coupe’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

The GLC Coupe’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-5’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the GLC Coupe to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The CX-5 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

The GLC Coupe’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-5 Premium/Turbo.

When the GLC Coupe is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The CX-5’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The GLC Coupe’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 CX-5 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo Premium/Signature.

The GLC Coupe has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo.

Both the GLC Coupe and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the GLC Coupe has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe 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. Mazda charges extra for Homelink® on the CX-5.

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. Only the CX-5 Carbon/Premium Plus/Turbo offers wireless charging.

The GLC Coupe’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

and e Mercedes GLC comes in four door bodystyles; the Mazda CX-5 isn’t available as a .

Recommendations

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The CX-5 has never been chosen.

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