When it comes to style, performance, and convenience, it’s hard to beat a Mercedes-Benz model. However, if you’re looking for a luxury compact SUV, which Mercedes-Benz do you choose? Would the practical, high-tech GLB-Class be the one? Or should you opt for the more upscale GLC-Class with its thrilling driving experience? Which is the better option?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class starts at $39,650, according to Car and Driver.  This smaller SUV is both stylish and practical with great tech features. The GLB is classy and well-equipped like the bigger Mercedes SUVs, but it costs less and is easier to maneuver. It’s a couple of inches in length shorter than the GLC, but it has a little more head and legroom.

The GLB shares a chassis and powertrain with the GLA. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it has available all-wheel drive. Additionally, the GLB has more space for cargo than the GLA and additional option seating space. It seats five in its standard configuration and up to seven with an available third row of seating. However, space is a little tight in the third row.

It comes equipped with a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system that has the Mercedes MBUX voice assistant on board. It has a 7-inch digital gauge display, but the Premium package has dual 10.3-inch screens with a color Head-Up Display. Additionally, there’s Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and four USB-C ports.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 221 horsepower output. This engine option is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can get it with a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive platform, and the powertrain offers a composed ride. The base engine gets an EPA-rated 23/31/26 city/highway/combined mpg with the FWD configuration. With the AWD configuration, the highway rating drops to 30 mpg.

For safety, the GLB has Active Brake Assist and Adaptive Braking Technology as standard features. Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Blind-Spot Assist, and Lane-Keeping Assist are available.  

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class starts at $44,900, according to Car and Driver. The GLC is every inch a luxury SUV with an opulent, quiet cabin, thrilling exhilaration, and abilities its sedan sibling doesn’t have. If you have the funds, this is a classy compact crossover that’s a lot of fun to drive. It has standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) with available AWD.

As you would expect, the interior uses quality, appealing materials, and the build quality is impressive. In 2022, GLC adds new standard features, and some existing features are now standard. The latter includes automatic high beams, USB ports in the second row, a USB-C adaptive cable, and the Parking Damage Detector. It also offers dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable seats in the front with heated cushions. More comfort and convenience features are available as upgrades. The GLC seats five, and the passenger space is adequate. It’s limited on cargo space, with many of its rivals, including the GLB, offering more.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a 10.25-inch touch screen to navigate the latest version of MBUX with the voice command feature. You get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard and available wireless charging. You can also upgrade to get a premium audio system.

The GLC is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has a power output of 221 horsepower. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the RWD configuration, the GLC gets a 22/29 city/highway mpg rating. The AWD model gets 1 mpg less on city and highway mpg ratings.

When it comes to safety, the GLC has Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward-Collision Warning as standard features. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning, and Lane-Keeping Assist are also available.

Which Mercedes SUV does it better?

While both the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC are quality SUVs, the GLB is overall a better SUV. 

The GLC is sublimely comfortable in both rows of seats. It offers an authentic luxury experience in both appearance and ride quality. However, for a larger family or a family with a budget, it’s not as practical. It seats five with mediocre cargo space, and its fuel economy is what you’d expect in a luxury vehicle, but that doesn’t do a family budget any favors.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB seats up to seven with the available third row. It’s nearly as efficient as the GLC, and the driving experience is composed and reliable. It has impressive tech features and decent gas mileage. There’s plenty of cargo space, too, particularly with the second row of seats down. Best of all, the GLB costs significantly less than the GLC, making it much more appealing to those with bigger families or those who are daily carpool drivers.