Compare the2026 Mercedes GLCVS 2026 Genesis GV80

The GLC has standard NECK-PRO front head restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the NECK-PRO front head restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The GV80 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its available Active Distance Assist Distronic, the Mercedes GLC is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Genesis GV80, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLC offers optional Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The GV80 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the GLC and the GV80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 76 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GLC’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GLC first among compact premium suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The GV80 was rated second in its category.

The GLC 350e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 391) than the GV80 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the GLC 300 is faster than the GV80 2.5T 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the GLC running on electricity gets better mileage than the GV80:

On the EPA test cycle the GLC running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the GV80:

The GLC 350e can travel with zero emissions for 54 miles. The GV80 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the GLC’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GV80 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLC higher (6 out of 10) than the Genesis GV80 (5 to 6). This means the GLC produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GV80 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the GV80.

The GLC stops much shorter than the GV80:

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .88 G’s, while the GV80 ADVANCED AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLC 350e executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the GV80 AWD (26.2 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 27.4 seconds @ .63 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the GLC’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the GV80’s (38.7 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the GLC has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV80 (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the GLC to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mercedes GLC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 550 pounds less than the Genesis GV80.

The GLC is 8.8 inches shorter than the GV80, making the GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes GLC amounts to more than styling. The GLC has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is significantly lower than the GV80 (.33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLC get better fuel mileage.

The GLC has 1.1 inches more front headroom and 1.3 inches more rear headroom than the GV80.

The GLC has a much larger cargo volume than the GV80 with its rear seat up (21.9 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The GV80 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GV80, the GLC has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the GLC the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GV80 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

Heated windshield washer fluid is optional on the GLC to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The GV80 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLC’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the GV80’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the GLC offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The GV80 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The GV80 has never been chosen.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Genesis GV80 by almost three to one during 2024.