2026–27 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Lexus NX: We Compared the Data
By the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team · Updated November 8, 2026 · how we score
Our pick: the GLC — it leads our weighted scorecard 2–1.5 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (483 hp vs 304 hp) and more towing capacity (5,291 lb vs 2,000 lb). Choose the NX if you'll sell in about five years (54.4% vs 41.7% of value retained).
Scorecard: GLC 2 pts · NX 1.5 pts across 4 scored categories.
The scorecard
| Category (weight) | 2027 GLC | 2026 NX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2) | — | $44,175 | No data |
| 5-year value retained (1.5) | 41.7% | 54.4% | NX |
| Best EPA combined (1.5) | — | 40 mpg | No data |
| Most horsepower available (1) | 483 hp | 304 hp | GLC |
| Max towing (1) | 5,291 lb | 2,000 lb | GLC |
| Cargo behind rear seats (1) | — | 22.7 cu ft | No data |
| Standard seats (1) | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Median discount verified buyers got (1) | — | 3.4% off MSRP | No data |
| Weighted points | 2 | 1.5 | GLC |
Which one we'd buy, and for whom
- Family. Families: it's a wash — GLC 5 vs NX 5 (standard seats).
- Resale. Resale-minded buyers: the NX — 54.4% vs 41.7% (5-year value retained).
- Towing. Towing: the GLC — 5,291 lb vs 2,000 lb (max towing).
Price: sticker and what buyers paid
A current starting MSRP isn't on file for both models. Verified NX buyers paid a median 3.4% off MSRP across 11 deals; the CarWhere Index target is 5.7% off.
Reliability: NHTSA complaints and recalls
- GLC: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- NX: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
Complaint rates are owner complaints filed with NHTSA divided by vehicles sold — a federal-data signal, not a survey score.
Specs side by side
| 2027 GLC | 2026 NX | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (base trim) | — | $44,175 |
| Top-trim MSRP | — | $62,830 |
| Horsepower | 255–483 hp | 240–304 hp |
| Max torque | 590 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| EPA combined | — | 24–40 mpg (hybrid avail.) |
| Max towing | 5,291 lb | 2,000 lb |
| Seats (standard / max) | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Cargo behind rear seats | — | 22.7 cu ft |
Automaker-published figures; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. "—" = not published.
Resale: 5-year value retained
A 5-year-old (2021) GLC lists for a median $24,965 — 41.7% of today's median new price of $59,848. A 5-year-old (2021) NX lists for a median $28,998 — 54.4% of today's median new price of $53,276.
Shop both
- See 11,161 new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLCs for sale →Median listed price $61,445 · updated Nov 7, 2026
- See new 2026 Lexus NX for sale →
Negotiating either one?
CarWhere PRO ($12.99/mo) shows the 75th-percentile target price for your exact trim and zip, comparable nearby deals, and an AI quote analyzer. See PRO → · Checking a specific used one? The $9.99 Full VIN Report covers the federal record + original window sticker.
More on the Mercedes-Benz GLC
More on the Lexus NX
Related head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the GLC better than the NX?
On our data, yes. Our pick: the GLC — it leads our weighted scorecard 2–1.5 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (483 hp vs 304 hp) and more towing capacity (5,291 lb vs 2,000 lb). Choose the NX if you'll sell in about five years (54.4% vs 41.7% of value retained).
Which is more reliable, the GLC or the NX?
We only rank reliability by NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, and that rate isn't available for both models yet.
Which holds its value better, the GLC or the NX?
The NX: a 5-year-old example lists for 54.4% of the new price, versus 41.7% for the GLC, based on median used asking prices against today's median new price.
Which is cheaper, the GLC or the NX?
We don't have a current starting MSRP for both models.
Which has better gas mileage, the GLC or the NX?
EPA ratings aren't on file for both models.
How we score
Each category compares one published number per model and counts only when both models have it. The winner earns the category weight; results inside the tie band earn nothing. Our pick has more weighted points; level points fall back to more category wins, then the reliability winner, then the price winner.
- Starting MSRP: lower wins; tie within 3%.
- NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold: lower wins; tie within 15%.
- 5-year value retained: higher wins; tie within 2 points.
- Best EPA combined: higher wins; tie within 1 mpg (3 MPGe).
- Most horsepower available: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Max towing: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Cargo behind rear seats: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Standard seats: higher wins; tie same count.
- Median discount verified buyers got: higher wins; tie within 0.5 points.
- Recalls, 2023–2025 model years: lower wins; tie within 1.
Towing weighs 2 for pickups and 1 otherwise; seating is only scored between SUVs and minivans, using standard (never optional) seats. Sources: automaker spec pages and order guides; EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov); NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns against published US sales; median used asking prices across active US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers; verified buyer-submitted deal sheets for discounts.
Cite this page: CarWhere, "2026–27 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Lexus NX: We Compared the Data," carwhere.com/compare-cars/mercedes-benz-glc-vs-lexus-nx, updated November 8, 2026.