2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a visual delight, adhering closely to the brand's contemporary design ethos. Its taut lines and muscular shape flowed elegantly from the signature Mercedes star pattern grille and standard LED headlights. The taller, upright cabin and short overhangs suggested a multi-terrain capability, particularly in models without the AMG Line's painted wheel arch liners. The crisp headlights and detailed tail lights ensured the GLC's aesthetic appeal would remain fresh for years. The optional 20-inch AMG five-spoke wheels further enhanced its athletic stance. Inside, the GLC exuded luxury with beautifully designed, contrasting-leather-adorned interior door panels. The premium materials continued throughout, with the GLC 350e PHEV test unit featuring supple white leather seats with heating and ventilation options. The haptic steering wheel and climate controls, though made of piano black plastic, were nicely contrasted by faux carbon fibre, satin-stitched leather, and painted aluminum trim accents.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. The TX's design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior offered three colour options, ambient lighting, and suede trim over the glovebox. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic prevalent. Redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a novel feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system in Canada. The entry-level models featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 300 produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the 350e's output was slightly lower at 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. However, the 300's 48-volt mild-hybrid system added 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time. The 350e's hybrid system, with a 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery and electric motor, delivered a combined 313 hp and 406 lb-ft, though it had a slower 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time due to its additional weight. The GLC's ride quality, steering, and handling were commendable, absorbing road imperfections well and maintaining composure on highways and winding roads. The braking performance was adequate, with regenerative braking intensity adjustable via steering wheel paddles. The 350e's 87-kilometre electric range was impressive, and the hybrid mode prioritized electricity over internal combustion.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h had Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. The TX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered good hip, shoulder, and legroom up front, even for taller drivers, though the back seats were tighter on leg and headroom. The GLC's boxy shape provided 470 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,530 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite being lower than some competitors, the GLC's cargo area was practical, easily accommodating luggage and everyday items. The split rear seat dropped instantly via buttons behind the hatch, allowing for easy storage of larger items like an XL-sized road bike. The GLC's hybridization offered financial benefits, with an average fuel economy of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres over 440 kilometres of mixed driving. The 350e had an estimated fuel economy of 10.2 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 9.4 combined in hybrid mode, with an efficiency of 3.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in all-electric mode.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button on the second-row seat facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with haptic controls for steering wheel, climate, and infotainment functions. The 11.9-inch touchscreen required some adjustment for swipe intensity, and there was occasional sluggishness in response. Despite these challenges, wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connected seamlessly, and the screen resolution was good. The Burmester 3D surround sound system added to the driving experience, with customizable ambient lighting enhancing night drives.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was easy to use and responsive. However, some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functionality and lack of labels were confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription services, including in-dash navigation and a digital key. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, active parking assistance, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and active braking assistance. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, steering assist, lane-change assist, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, evasive maneuvering, and speed limit assist. These features worked smoothly, with adaptive cruise control and steering assist making stop-and-go traffic more manageable.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed in stop-and-go traffic. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" score from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.