Compare the2026 Mercedes GLBVS 2026 Lexus NX

The GLB’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The NX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GLB and the NX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GLB’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLB is faster than the Lexus NX:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB 250 4MATIC gets better fuel mileage than the NX 350 running its gasoline engine (24 city/33 hwy vs. 21 city/28 hwy).

Both the GLB and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All GLBs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The GLB has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The NX doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The GLB stops shorter than the NX:

The GLB’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX’s standard 60 series tires. The GLB’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the NX’s optional 50 series tires.

The GLB’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The NX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLB’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the NX (111.4 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .83 G’s, while the NX 450h+ Premium AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLB 250 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the NX 450h+ Premium AWD (27.4 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLB has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD (7.9 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the GLB to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 600 pounds less than the Lexus NX.

The design of the Mercedes GLB amounts to more than styling. The GLB has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is lower than the NX (.34 to .35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLB get better fuel mileage.

The GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the NX can only carry 5.

The GLB has 2.4 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The GLB’s cargo area provides more volume than the NX.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLB easier. The GLB’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the NX’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The GLB’s cargo area is larger than the NX’s in almost every dimension:

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the NX, the GLB has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, suspension setting, power steering assist, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLB’s standard easy entry and exit feature glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the NX.

The power windows standard on both the GLB and the NX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLB is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the GLB 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 NX can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLB to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The NX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The NX Luxury/450+ F Sport’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The GLB’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The GLB has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The NX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.