Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Toyota Kluger
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Kluger opens at $62,410. That makes the Toyota Kluger the more affordable entry point by $27,490.
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 $68,651 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Kluger by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Toyota Kluger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 96% for the Toyota Kluger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLC packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota Kluger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 7 in the Toyota Kluger.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Kluger gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Kluger. The Toyota Kluger counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger responds with a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid making 184kW and 242Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Kluger 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, 250mm shorter than the Toyota Kluger at 4,966mm (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 241L in the Toyota Kluger, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 359L advantage. The Toyota Kluger seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Kluger leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m 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 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs $1,596 (Toyota Kluger). The Toyota Kluger saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Kluger takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Kluger will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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