DecodedCarsMercedes-Benz GLC-Class
12 model years from 2016 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2016–2027
- Class
- Midsize Station Wagons, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 24–29 combined, by year
- EV range
- up to 350 mi
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2017 (13)
- Fewest problems
- 2022
The 2026 GLC-Class in brief
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,244 lb (300 4matic 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has 12 model years in our data, from 2016 to 2027, classed as Midsize Station Wagons, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD.
Its most efficient year was 2024 at 29 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 24 to 29 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the service brakes (6), engine (5), air bags (3).
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data.
How the 2016 GLC-Class compares
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb.
2026 GLC-Class pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 GLC-Class
0 owner complaints · 0 recalls
None of the 9 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 9 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
GLC-Class changes by model year
- 2027
- New body dimensions: 6.3 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New all-electric version
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- 2026
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- 2025
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Best combined MPG down from 29 to 27
- 2024
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Lightest version 216 lb heavier
- 2023
- New body dimensions: 2.7 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 28
- 2022
- Engine dropped: 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- 2021
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- 2018
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Engine added: 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- 2017
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Lightest version 176 lb heavier
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 12 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 192.1 in | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 185.8 in | 4,244 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 185.8 in | 4,244 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 185.8 in | 4,244 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 186.2 in | 4,028 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 183.5 in | 3,977 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 183.5 in | 3,977 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 183.5 in | 3,977 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 183.5 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | 25 MPG | 183.5 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 183.5 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 0 | 13 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 183.5 in | 3,825 lb | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
Alternatives to the 2026 GLC-Class
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tesla Model Y | 357 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2026 BMW X3 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Lexus RX | 36 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Land Rover Discovery | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →