Compare the2026 Toyota HighlanderVS 2026 Mercedes GLC Coupe

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 Coupe.

The Toyota Highlander’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mercedes GLC Coupe 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 Coupe 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, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the Highlander 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the GLC Coupe. 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 Coupe 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 Coupe.

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.

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 Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

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

The Highlander has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC Coupe (17.9 vs. 16.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Highlander is 1.4 inches wider in the front and .7 inches wider in the rear than on the GLC Coupe.

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

For greater off-road capability the Highlander has a 2.9 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GLC Coupe (8 vs. 5.1 inches), allowing the Highlander to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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

The Highlander has .7 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front legroom, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and 2.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the GLC Coupe.

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

The Highlander’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the GLC Coupe’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 Coupe.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Highlander has a standard rear wiper. The GLC Coupe doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

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

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Highlander, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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