Compare the2026 Mazda CX-5 VS 2026 Mercedes GLC

The Mazda CX-5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GLC doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mercedes GLC has not been tested.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-5. But it costs extra on the GLC.

The CX-5’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.

Both the CX-5 and the GLC 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, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Mazda CX-5 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The GLC is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-5 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the GLC. 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 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 40 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-5’s reliability 21 points higher than the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 82 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 5 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better fuel mileage than the GLC 350e running its gasoline engine (24 city/30 hwy vs. 23 city/28 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-5 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The GLC requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The CX-5 has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (15.3 vs. 12.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the GLC’s (36.8 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 1150 pounds less than the Mercedes GLC.

The CX-5 has 1 inch more front legroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom and 2.5 inches more rear legroom than the GLC.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GLC with its rear seat up (33.7 vs. 21.9 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GLC with its rear seat folded (66.5 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

The CX-5’s cargo area is larger than the GLC’s in almost every dimension:

	CX-5	GLC
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	39.1”/75”	39.1”/67.4”
Max Width	57.5”	n/a
Min Width	41.3”	n/a
Height	33.9”	29.2”

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-5 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the GLC only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes GLC isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Mercedes GLC by 90% during 2025.