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Genesis G80 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2026 Genesis G80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Genesis G80

2026 Genesis G80

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS1 – 4Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins 4 of 5 categories
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $2,050 a year less in fuel for the Genesis G80 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Genesis G80 is the bigger car, about 10 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 16).

The two cars

The 2026 Genesis G80 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,295 lb (4dr Sedan AWD 2.5t).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,057 lb (Amg C43 4matic 4dr Sedan).

Buying used? The 2024 G80 and the 2024 C-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 G80.

Basics

Midsize Cars
Class
Compact Cars
EV, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid
2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

23 MPG
Best combined MPG
29 MPG
20 city
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
300 mi
EV range
–
$800
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,850

Performance & space

375 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
196.5 in
Length
187 in
75.6 in
Width
71.7 in
57.9 in
Height
56.7 in
4,295 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,693 lb

Safety & reliability

14
Driver-assist features standard
–
1
Recalls (2026)
0
16
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
9
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

6,032
Wikipedia views, 30 days
26,190

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2018
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Genesis G80 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (300 miles)
  • You want more room (10 in longer)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (29 vs 23 MPG)
  • You want something easier to park (10 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 16 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Genesis G80

  • Long EV rangeUp to 300 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 26% below the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Genesis G80 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →