Luxury Compact SUV Comparison: Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

What makes for the perfect luxury SUV? Is it a wealth of amenities? The latest and greatest technology and safety features? Thrilling performance? Ample interior space? At Treasure Coast Lexus, we say you don’t have to pick one or the other. 

A true luxury SUV doesn’t force you to compromise. So, which model is the best option for shoppers in Fort Pierce who want all of the above? To find out, we’ve decided to compare our best-selling 2025 Lexus RX to the renowned 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Let’s see which one truly delivers. 

Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Interior Features 

One of the key hallmarks of a true luxury experience is the vibe inside the cabin. A high-end crossover ought to have comfortable, durable upholstery, stylish materials, and intuitive infotainment systems. 

In terms of looks and functionality, both SUVs knock it out of the park, albeit in different ways. The RX’s interior feels futuristic and familiar at the same time, with a crisp interface and tactile knobs for control of important functions. The GLC’s interior has an ultramodern vibe with touch screen panels that stand out boldly against the dashboard, but some may find its controls a bit confusing. 

Both also come standard with voice recognition, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, and compatibility with a range of connected services including in-vehicle Wi-Fi. However, the Benz has a couple more standard features like wireless charging, which is optional in the RX. 

The RX comes standard with a 12.3-inch multi-information display, and shoppers can choose between either a 9.8-inch or a giant 14.0-inch center Lexus Interface touch screen, depending on the grade. Meanwhile, the GLC has a singular setup consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch center touch screen. 

Verdict 

So, which is the SUV with the best interior? The GLC has a few more standard features, and some shoppers may like the cabin layout more, but many critics have said that the infotainment menus are cumbersome and confusing. The RX has larger available screens, and their operating system is more streamlined to provide a better user experience. 

Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Interior Space 

The Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLC are both considered luxury compact SUVs, which basically means they have car-like handling with SUV-like storage capacity, but they’re on the smaller end of the size scale. So, which one offers shoppers near Port St. Lucie, FL the most space inside? 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the GLC and RX’s interior dimensions: 

Verdict 

The GLC has a bit more head room and more cargo space with the rear seats folded down, but the RX has more legroom and shoulder room, and it has significantly more area behind the second row, making it a better luxury SUV for families. 

Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Safety Features 

The RX is packed to the roof with driver assistance and safety systems, which is why it’s one of the safest luxury SUVs on the road today. Standard features include: 

• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 

• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management 

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support 

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist 

• Lane Tracing Assist 

• Road Sign Assist 

• Automatic High Beams 

• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 

• Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking 

• Brake Assist 

• Smart Stop technology 

• Backup camera 

The GLC has many of the same features, plus a few additional ones that aid in partial self-driving, but read the fine print and you’ll find that many of them are only available as an optional package. 

Verdict 

The GLC may have more available driver assistance features overall, but the Lexus RX includes far more standard safety tech without the expensive upcharge. 

Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Performance 

Both SUVs have gas and hybrid powertrains, so we’ll compare them directly. 

Verdict 

The GLC’s base gasoline engine is quicker and has slightly better fuel economy. However, the Lexus RX 350h hybrid gets far better fuel economy with very similar performance specs, while the GLC doesn’t have a regular hybrid option at all. 

Meanwhile, the GLC 350e has a bit more electric range, but the Lexus RX 450h+ gets far better combined mileage overall, making it the most efficient plug-in hybrid. 

The GLC takes the cake in terms of pure speed, but if hair-raising acceleration is your main concern, there are much quicker luxury SUVs out there. The Lexus RX has a much more well-rounded selection for shoppers near Vero Beach, FL. 

Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability 

When you buy a car, whether it’s a luxury crossover SUV or not, you’ll want to make sure it’s going to last you a long time, and if it does have problems, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered. 

First, let’s check their respective new vehicle warranties. The Lexus RX warranty covers: 

• Bumper-to-bumper: 4 years or 50,000 miles 

• Powertrain: 6 years or 70,000 miles 

• Hybrid: 8 years or 100,000 miles 

• Corrosion: 6 years 

• Parts: 1 year 

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is only covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile emissions warranty. 

Of course, we can also ask the experts. J.D. Power and Consumer Reports are two of the most trusted experts when it comes to assessing vehicle reliability. In their most recent studies, J.D. Power ranked Lexus #1 and Consumer Reports ranked Lexus #2 overall. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz got 23rd place from J.D. Power and didn’t even rank on Consumer Reports’ scale. 

Verdict 

Either way you slice it, Lexus is the one of the most dependable luxury car brands in the world, while Mercedes-Benz lags far behind. 

Lease the Lexus RX 350 in Fort Pierce, FL 

There are a lot of great compact SUVs out there, but the RX stands above them all with its functional, elegant, and economical style. If you’re shopping for one near you, our Lexus dealership in Fort Pierce has tons of Lexus RX models in our inventory, which you can browse by clicking the link. 

To set up a test drive or speak to someone in our finance center about getting a low APR auto loan, contact us online or call us at (772) 460-0000.