Compare the2025 Toyota HighlanderVS 2025 Mercedes GLC

The Highlander’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.

The Toyota Highlander’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mercedes GLC does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Highlander 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.

Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the Highlander 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.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Highlander for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GLC.

There are over 3 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Highlander’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 Highlander’s reliability 35 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 10 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Toyota higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 81 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 28th.

The Highlander’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 10 more horsepower (265 vs. 255) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 295) than the GLC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Highlander uses regular unleaded gasoline. The GLC requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Highlander has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (17.9 vs. 12.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Highlander has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC’s standard fuel tank (17.9 vs. 16.4 gallons).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Highlander is 1.2 inches wider in the front and .8 inches wider in the rear than on the GLC.

For better maneuverability, the Highlander’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the GLC’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Highlander offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the GLC can only carry 5.

The Highlander has 1.3 inches more front legroom, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the GLC.

The Highlander’s cargo area provides more volume than the GLC.

The Highlander’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the GLC’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is standard on the Highlander, using the Enhanced 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.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Highlander 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 Highlander’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the GLC’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

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

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

The Toyota Highlander outsold the Mercedes GLC by 43% during 2024.