Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz GLB: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 5 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$93,550RRP
- no option data for this car
No price
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLB a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Lexus RX
- REC-006213 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to a manufacturing defect in the Adaptive High Beam System cracks may develop over time resulting in the LED reflector detaching from the reflector motor inside the headlamp assembly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2022
- REC-005374 · published 6 Apr 2020The fuel pump on affected vehicles may stop operating.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2019
Mercedes-Benz GLB
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006158 · published 6 Nov 2024The tyres within this production range may not meet manufacturing specifications which may lead to deflation of the tyre.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005949 · published 15 Apr 2024The electrical power steering control unit back-up software may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2024
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus RX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The Mercedes-Benz GLB counters with Apple CarPlay and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus RX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLB offers black artico man-made leather.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 184kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB lines up making 120kW, paired to a 8g-edct dual clutch transmission, 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 120kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus RX is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.4 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Lexus RX and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus RX: Top CarSorted Score, 78 vs 63
The Lexus RX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (78 vs 63), taking 3 of 3 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Lexus RX ahead by 33), fuel economy (Lexus RX ahead by 19), practicality (Lexus RX ahead by 18). The Lexus RX will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The Lexus RX is the cheapest at $93,550 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Lexus RX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022). ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Mercedes-Benz GLB, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus RX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RX makes the most power at 184kW. The Lexus RX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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