2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2026 Genesis GV70

Anyone who has driven through the most exclusive neighborhood of a crowded city likely noticed the roads were awash with small SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Genesis. Although they both sell very well, they come from very different backgrounds. See how they stack up below, then browse our online inventory for available models near Lexington, KY. Anyone who has driven through the most exclusive neighborhood of a crowded city likely noticed the roads were awash with small SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Genesis. Although they both sell very well, they come from very different backgrounds. See how they stack up below, then browse our online inventory for available models near Lexington, KY.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class vs 2026 Genesis GV70

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class brings the heat with a wider, more aggressive stance and sculpted lines. Does the new 2026 Genesis GV70 have what it takes to reign supreme? Keep reading to find out!

Performance

The name Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with effortless performance and impeccable luxury for decades, and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class is no exception. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine couples the horsepower and performance of a V6 with the fuel-sipping economy of a 4-cylinder. With 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque on tap, it never fails to keep up with traffic. Buyers wanting more efficiency can opt for the GLC350e plug-in hybrid, which can travel a best-in-class 54 miles on battery power alone. This means drivers with a daily commute at or below that don't even need to use the gas engine. The 2026 Genesis GV70 has two available engines to choose from. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Drivers looking for more horsepower can upgrade to a 3.5-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. While these are impressive numbers, it does mean fuel economy suffers compared to the GLC with a rating of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This is a far cry from the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC's highway rating of 34 mpg.

Safety Features

The 2026 GLC Class is the latest example of a full line of Mercedes-Benz models that have class-leading safety features as standard equipment, including: 

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Parktronic with Active Park Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Parking Distance Warning-Reverse
• Safe Exit Assist

In fairness, the 2026 Genesis GV70 also has an impressive array of standard safety features, including:

• Forward Attention Warning
• Hands-on Detection Driver Attention Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert

Interior

Slide into the high-class cabin of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, and you immediately know you're in a special place. You won't find any hard plastics; just soft-touch materials abound. The optional Nappa leather interior coddles occupants while they enjoy the optional Burmester surround sound system. Download the Mercedes Me app to precondition the cabin to your comfort level, no matter what the weather is like here in Lexington, KY.   The cabin of the 2026 Genesis GV70 is nice as well; however, the design is not as classic and timeless as the one Mercedes-Benz created. You'll find all the usual optional equipment like Nappa leather, Bang and Olufsen sound system, and the like. What you won't find is the user-friendly and sleek design of the Mercedes-Benz MBUX system. Instead, you get a control knob in the center console that controls the touchscreen display, something that doesn't make very much sense and is bound to confuse drivers.

Warranty Coverage

When it comes to warranty coverage, the 2026 GV70 does have an edge; however, while Mercedes-Benz engineers every one of its cars with longevity in mind, Genesis seems a bit more concerned its engines won't last and offer the longer warranty to pacify disappointed buyers.

Bottom Line

While the 2026 Genesis GV70 delivers on warranty coverage, it falls short on luxury, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class is the best of all worlds. See for yourself by stopping by the showroom at James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz.

Take the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class for a test drive!

Experience the greatness of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class in person when you visit James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz. Call our phenomenal sales team today at (859) 268-1150 to schedule a test drive. Visit our new inventory online to see available models near Lexington, KY.