What To Know
- The CR-V comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
- Higher trim levels of the CR-V offer features such as a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display.
- Higher trim levels of the GLC offer features such as a Burmester premium audio system, a 360-degree camera system, a hands-free liftgate, and a massaging driver’s seat.
When it comes to compact SUVs, the Honda CR-V and Mercedes-Benz GLC are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and luxury, making them ideal choices for families and individuals alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Honda CR-V and GLC, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV is the right fit for your needs.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Honda CR-V and GLC offer distinct powertrain options, each with its own unique performance and fuel efficiency characteristics.
Honda CR-V:
- Engine: The CR-V comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: The CR-V is available with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission.
- Fuel Efficiency: With the CVT, the CR-V achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. With the manual transmission, the fuel efficiency drops slightly to 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
- Engine: The GLC offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 320 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: All GLC models come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Fuel Efficiency: The GLC 250 (2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine) achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The GLC 350e (plug-in hybrid) achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Honda CR-V and GLC offer spacious and well-appointed interiors, but there are some key differences in terms of cargo space and passenger comfort.
Honda CR-V:
- Passenger Space: The CR-V offers seating for up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, the CR-V provides 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands to a generous 75.8 cubic feet.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
- Passenger Space: The GLC offers seating for up to five passengers, with slightly less headroom and legroom in the rear seats compared to the CR-V.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, the GLC provides 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands to 56.5 cubic feet.
Features and Technology
The Honda CR-V and GLC offer a range of features and technologies designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety.
Honda CR-V:
- Standard Features: The CR-V comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
- Available Features: Higher trim levels of the CR-V offer features such as a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
- Standard Features: The GLC comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
- Available Features: Higher trim levels of the GLC offer features such as a Burmester premium audio system, a 360-degree camera system, a hands-free liftgate, and a massaging driver’s seat.
Safety and Reliability
The Honda CR-V and GLC have both earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Honda CR-V:
- NHTSA Rating: The CR-V received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
- IIHS Rating: The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
- NHTSA Rating: The GLC received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
- IIHS Rating: The GLC received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Price and Value
The Honda CR-V and GLC offer different levels of value, depending on your budget and priorities.
Honda CR-V:
- Starting Price: The CR-V starts at $26,450.
- Value: The CR-V offers a compelling value for the price, with a spacious interior, a long list of standard features, and excellent fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
- Starting Price: The GLC starts at $44,600.
- Value: The GLC offers a higher level of luxury and performance than the CR-V, but it comes with a significantly higher price tag.
Wrapping Up: The Verdict
The Honda CR-V and Mercedes-Benz GLC are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The CR-V offers a spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and a lower price point, making it a great choice for budget-minded shoppers and families. The GLC offers a more luxurious interior, more powerful engine options, and a wider range of features, but it comes with a higher price tag. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Conclusion
Whether you prioritize practicality, performance, or luxury, the Honda CR-V and Mercedes-Benz GLC offer compelling options in the compact SUV segment. With their impressive safety ratings, spacious interiors, and advanced features, both vehicles deliver a satisfying driving experience. The CR-V stands out with its exceptional fuel efficiency and value, while the GLC impresses with its luxurious appointments and powerful engine options. The final decision rests upon your unique preferences and budget, ensuring that you find the perfect SUV to suit your lifestyle and needs.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Honda CR-V or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Honda CR-V offers better fuel efficiency than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. With the CVT, the CR-V achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while the GLC 250 achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
2. Which SUV has more cargo space, the Honda CR-V or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Honda CR-V offers more cargo space than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. With the rear seats up, the CR-V provides 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the GLC provides 19.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the CR-V provides 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the GLC provides 56.5 cubic feet.
3. Which SUV has a higher safety rating, the Honda CR-V or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Both the Honda CR-V and the Mercedes-Benz GLC have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.