Compare the2025 Mazda CX-5VS 2025 Mercedes GLC

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mercedes GLC has not been tested.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-5. But it costs extra on the GLC.

The CX-5’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 CX-5 and the GLC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front 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, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-5 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the GLC. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the GLC ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 40 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

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 CX-5’s reliability 44 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 1 more horsepower (256 vs. 255) and 25 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 295) than the GLC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the GLC running its gasoline engine:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The GLC doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-5 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The GLC requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The CX-5 has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (15.3 vs. 12.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CX-5 stops shorter than the GLC:

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the GLC’s (36 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 1150 pounds less than the Mercedes GLC.

The CX-5 is 5.6 inches shorter than the GLC, making the CX-5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CX-5 has .3 inches more front legroom and 2.2 inches more rear legroom than the GLC.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GLC with its rear seat up (29.1 vs. 21.9 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GLC with its rear seat folded (59.3 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-5 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.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-5’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the GLC’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes GLC isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Mercedes GLC by over two to one during 2024.