Lexus RX 63·Mercedes-Benz GLC 51on the MotiveGrid Score·Lexus RX about $4,419 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Lexus RX is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,419 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 GLC
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Lexus RX versus 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Metric
Lexus RX
Mercedes-Benz GLC
MotiveGrid Score
63
51
Cost of Ownership
60
49
Powertrain
73
51
Driver Assistance
32
0
Livability
42
34
Safety
72
92
5-Year Cost to Own
$61,357
$65,776
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,522
$24,527
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$9,889
Insurance (5-yr)
$18,595
$16,785
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,095
$4,080
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$8,008
$7,455
Registration (5-yr)
$1,365
$1,290
Starting Price
$53,225
$49,550
Horsepower
246 hp
255 hp
MPG (combined)
36 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
29.6 cu ft
21.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
Hybrid
2026$53,225
MSRP
$53,225
Mo · 5yr
$1,023
$61,357 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$49,550
MSRP
$49,550
Mo · 5yr
$1,096
$65,776 / 5 years
Best for families
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 GLC
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
RX
60
GLC
49
Winner: RX
$4,419 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
RX
73
GLC
51
Winner: RX
+22 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
RX
32
GLC
0
Winner: RX
+32 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
RX
42
GLC
34
Winner: RX
+8 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Lexus RX is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,419 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mercedes-Benz GLC still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Lexus RX
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Lexus RX
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Lexus RX
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mercedes-Benz GLC
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 GLC
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,096
$65,776 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,096/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Lexus RX recoups its $3,675 price premium in 14.7 years ($250/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Lexus RX comes out about $4,419 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.
