Lexus RX 63·Mercedes-Benz GLB 53on the MotiveGrid Score·Lexus RX about $2,222 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Lexus RX is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,222 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Lexus RX is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLB
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Lexus RX versus 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Metric
Lexus RX
Mercedes-Benz GLB
MotiveGrid Score
63
53
Cost of Ownership
60
51
Powertrain
73
62
Driver Assistance
32
0
Livability
42
43
Safety
72
80
5-Year Cost to Own
$61,357
$63,579
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,522
$24,353
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$9,621
Insurance (5-yr)
$18,595
$16,010
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,095
$4,080
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$8,008
$6,590
Registration (5-yr)
$1,365
$1,175
Starting Price
$53,225
$43,800
Horsepower
246 hp
221 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
29.6 cu ft
12.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Hybrid
2026$53,225
MSRP
$53,225
Mo · 5yr
$1,023
$61,357 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$43,800
MSRP
$43,800
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,579 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Lexus RX scores higher overall.
Lexus RX
0
/ 100
Mercedes-Benz GLB
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
RX
60
GLB
51
Winner: RX
$2,222 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
RX
73
GLB
62
Winner: RX
+11 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
RX
32
GLB
0
Winner: RX
+32 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
RX
42
GLB
43
Winner: GLB
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Lexus RX is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,222 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mercedes-Benz GLB still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Lexus RX
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Lexus RX
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Lexus RX
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Lexus RX
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Lexus RX
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,023
$61,357 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,023/mo
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,060
$63,579 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,060/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Lexus RX would need 47.8 years to recoup its $9,425 price premium ($197/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Lexus RX comes out about $2,222 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
