Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The safest Mercedes SUV may not be the one you expectDeciding between two new vehicles can come down to a single factor, be it pricing, performance, design, or something seemingly mundane like the seating position. For many buyers, safety ratings can be the key factor that leads to choosing one model over the other. If you're considering a Mercedes-Benz SUV, the GLC-Class and GLE-Class are two of the most popular models from the German marque, but which one is safer? We went through the detailed ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to find out which of these luxury SUVs performed better.Related: BMW X5 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Luxury SUV Is The Safest?Crashworthiness: Both Solid, But There Are Minor DifferencesThe IIHS runs three major crashworthiness tests. These include the side-impact test, the small overlap front (a collision impacting the vehicle's front corner), and the moderate front overlap (an offset crash between two vehicles). Each vehicle is then given a score of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.Mercedes GLC-ClassMercedes GLE-ClassSmall Overlap FrontGoodGoodModerate Overlap FrontGoodGoodSideGoodGoodThe compact GLC and midsize GLE both managed Good overall scores in all three tests, so there are no major red flags to be aware of. However, when we dug into the detailed scores for each test, we did uncover some differences.In the moderate overlap front test, both vehicles had a merely Acceptable score relating to head/neck injuries which could be suffered by rear-seat passengers. The GLC's rear passenger restraints and dummy kinetics were also rated Acceptable in this test, while the larger GLE had a Good score.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the side-impact test, the GLE was marked down to Acceptable as the driver had a slightly increased risk of torso and pelvis injuries, while the rear passengers had a marginally elevated risk for pelvis injuries. The GLC was flawless in the side test, with Good ratings throughout.Overall, this is a commendable performance by both SUVs, and we'd rate them about equal for crash protection.Crash Prevention: The Smaller SUV Pulls Ahead2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassMercedes-BenzCrash prevention involves testing vehicles for how effectively they can avoid a collision with a pedestrian or another vehicle. The IIHS also evaluates the effectiveness of vehicle headlights. It's in these tests where the GLC opens up an advantage over its larger, more expensive sibling.Mercedes GLC-ClassMercedes GLE-ClassCrash Prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle)Not testedAcceptable (optional system)Crash Prevention (pedestrian)Acceptable (standard system); Good (optional system)Marginal (standard system); Acceptable (optional system)HeadlightsGoodGoodNeither SUV is perfect here, with both requiring optional features to improve their crash prevention systems in the pedestrian test. That's rather disappointing for luxury models, as many budget SUVs perform better in this test without any extras.2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-ClassMercedes-BenzThe GLC is ultimately better at avoiding a collision with a pedestrian. For instance, the GLC was able to avoid hitting an adult crossing in front of it at night when driving at a speed of 12 mph, whereas the GLE struck the adult dummy. The GLE was also worse when it came to avoiding a stationary adult pedestrian.AdvertisementAdvertisementBoth vehicles have Good-rated headlights but only the GLE was evaluated for the vehicle-to-vehicle crash test. Due to its results here, the GLE failed to score one of the safety authority's Top Safety Pick awards. The GLC did well enough to be named a Top Safety Pick.Related: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Just Earned a Surprisingly Weak Safety ScoreFinal Verdict: The Cheaper SUV is Safer2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassMercedes-BenzThe Mercedes GLC-Class is over $12,000 cheaper than the GLE, yet recorded superior overall safety scores. This could be due to the current GLC generation being a newer overall design with improved detection capabilities. While both vehicles are impressively secure for occupants if a crash occurs, Mercedes should do more to improve their standard crash-prevention systems. Much smaller, cheaper SUVs like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-5 do a much better job of avoiding a potentially fatal collision with another car or pedestrian.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: Audi Is Now the Safest Luxury Car Brand, Beating BMW and Mercedes in New Safety RankingsThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.