Compare the2025 Lexus RXVS 2025 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.

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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

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 Lexus RX’s reliability 51 points higher than the GLC and the Lexus RX Hybrid is rated 52 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The GLC isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 above average in initial quality. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the 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 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

The RX has more powerful engines than the GLC:

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 450h+ Luxury 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the GLC 300:

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

The RX 450+’s standard fuel tank has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (14.5 vs. 12.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The RX 350h/500h’s standard fuel tank has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 12.9 gallons). The RX 350’s standard fuel tank has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC’s standard fuel tank (17.8 vs. 16.4 gallons).

The RX offers an available 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.

For better stopping power the RX 500h’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GLC:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the GLC. The RX’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on 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 better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than on the GLC.

The RX 450h+ Luxury executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the GLC 300 4MATIC (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the GLC’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The RX has .4 inches more front legroom and .8 inches more front shoulder room than the GLC.

The RX has a much larger cargo volume than the GLC with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 21.9 cubic feet).

The RX’s cargo area is larger than the GLC’s in every dimension:

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on the RX, using the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 39% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 17th.

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The GLC does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The GLC doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The GLC doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The RX Premium+/Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The GLC’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes GLC isn't recommended.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its January 2024 issue and they ranked the Lexus RX 350 AWD higher than the Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The GLC isn’t in the top three.

The Lexus RX outsold the Mercedes GLC by almost three to one during 2023.