The 2025 Lexus RX and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 are two excellent luxury midsize SUVs, but they cater to slightly different buyers. The Lexus RX 350 comes with more horsepower, more trim level options, and a reputation for strong reliability and resale value. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 excels in fuel economy, offers advanced infotainment technology, and provides very specific trim levels. Pricing between these two is almost identical, so your choice depends on your priorities. This guide compares the 2025 Lexus RX vs. Mercedes GLC 300 to help you make an informed choice.
Performance & Powertrain Comparison
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque for comfortable drives in Stevens Creek. This is more powerful than the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and mild hybrid system, which produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the Mercedes-Benz is faster. The Lexus RX achieves a 0-60 mph time of about 6.8 (AWD) or 7.0 seconds (FWD), which is slightly slower than the GLC’s 5.6 seconds.
The Lexus includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive for improved fuel efficiency and a quieter driving experience. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz has a nine-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive, ideal for rapid acceleration and a more balanced feel. The GLC’s mild hybrid technology focuses on fuel efficiency and throttle response. All-wheel drive is available on both, which is ideal for handling Stevens Creek’s slippery roads.
Fuel Economy & Efficiency Battle
Fuel efficiency leans toward the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, according to the EPA. It is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive or 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The Lexus RX achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models. Opting for all-wheel drive drops the numbers to 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In plug-in hybrid variants, the Lexus RX 450h+ excels with up to 83 MPGe city in all-electric mode, compared to the GLC 350e’s 60 MPGe.
Interior Design & Comfort Analysis
Both SUVs seat five, but the Lexus provides a more spacious cabin and a quieter ride. The Mercedes-Benz offers more front headroom (41.1 vs. 39.5 inches) but less legroom (40.7 vs. 41.1 inches), which could make it more comfortable for taller occupants. Rear legroom is the same in both models, but the Lexus has less headroom in the back.
The RX 350 provides a larger rear cargo volume of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to the GLC 300’s 21.9 cubic feet. This makes the Lexus a more practical choice if you have a family or require more space to haul luggage, sports gear, and groceries.
Both manufacturers focus on quality. Lexus is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and upscale materials, such as open-pore wood trim and textured fabric door panels. Mercedes-Benz provides a sleek and modern design with premium interior appointments such as faux leather, advanced tech features, and customizable ambient lighting.
Technology & Infotainment Systems
Mercedes-Benz equips the GLC 300 with an 11.9-inch MBUX touch screen, which is larger than Lexus’s standard 9.8-inch infotainment system. However, Lexus offers an available 14.0-inch screen for those who want a more user-friendly experience. MBUX includes advanced voice command and smart features, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, but both systems offer navigation as an optional upgrade. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both SUVs.
The Lexus RX 350 has standard driver and front passenger knee airbags, automated emergency braking, and lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist. The GLC matches most standard safety equipment but reserves some advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control for higher trims (optional on the Mercedes-Benz, but standard on the Lexus).
Pricing & Value Analysis
With base prices so close ($50,475 for the Lexus vs. $50,400 for the Mercedes-Benz), the major cost differences depend mostly on trims and packages. Lexus offers six trim levels, whereas Mercedes-Benz offers two. More availability for the Lexus means a higher chance you’ll find the features you’re looking for in base and mid-level trims.
The Lexus also offers a better warranty. Both brands offer a limited warranty for four years/50,000 miles, but Lexus offers a powertrain warranty for six years/70,000 miles, whereas Mercedes-Benz only covers it for four years/50,000 miles. Lexus also throws in complimentary maintenance for the first year or 10,000 miles, but this isn’t available on the Mercedes-Benz.
We believe the Premium Plus trim, available from $56,215, offers a perfect mix of features most drivers will be satisfied with, such as leather seats, a larger touch screen, and an optional head-up display. The Mercedes-Benz offers its best features in its higher trims, including the Exclusive ($52,600) or the top-of-the-line Pinnacle ($54,550). The price difference between the models reflects Lexus’s more generous list of standard features and longer comprehensive warranty.
The Verdict: Which SUV Wins?
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 offers a winning combination of a more powerful engine, a plusher interior, a longer list of standard safety features, a longer warranty, and higher long-term reliability and resale value. It is ideal for drivers who value comfort, quality, and a richer ownership experience. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 wins on fuel economy and advanced infotainment, making it a great choice for tech enthusiasts. For most, the Lexus RX 350 is the overall winner. Want to see for yourself? Visit Lexus of Stevens Creek to test drive the luxury SUV today.
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