Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Lexus RX
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 27 Sep 2026, price 30 Jul 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $93,550. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $3,650.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $98,890 and $102,905 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 90% for the Lexus RX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus RX, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 8 in the Lexus RX.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006414 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering coupling bolts may not meet specifications and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006318 · published 28 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the high-voltage starter generator may experience an intermittent overload, which could deactivate functions of the system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 23 more on the model page.
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
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with panoramic roof — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Lexus Premium Sound audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus RX is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 174mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 12L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $1,539/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Mercedes-Benz GLC has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus RX: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 58, but the Mercedes-Benz GLC is $3,650 cheaper
The Lexus RX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 58), taking 4 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Lexus RX ahead by 49), safety (Lexus RX ahead by 29), fuel economy (Lexus RX ahead by 19). The Lexus RX will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. The Mercedes-Benz GLC adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus RX?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $3,650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L with the seats up (1,678L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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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