It's easy to consider a used car, but walk away when you see how many miles it has. Or maybe it doesn't have every feature you want, and you'd rather order a new model at the dealership. However, used luxury SUVs like the fourth-generation Lexus RX and the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can be bargains today. Depending on the trim, you could be getting even more features than you imagined for a fraction of the cost.The Lexus RX has been around for a while; its fourth-generation was introduced for the 2016 model year, and ended after the 2022 model year. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, didn't introduce the GLC-CLass SUV for the first time until 2016. It directly competes with the Lexus RX, and its first-gen model years align with the Lexus as well. That said, it may be difficult to choose between the two. In this article, we'll compare both models and their appropriate generations to one another. We discuss powertrains, interior features and dimensions, current used values, and more. What Segment Are The RX And GLC-Class In? LexusBefore we talk about the models themselves, it's good to know their segment and what their goals are in the first place. Both the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV compete in the luxury crossover SUV segment. The Lexus RX could also qualify as a midsize luxury SUV, since it shares a platform with the Toyota Highlander. That said, the luxury crossover segment also includes models like the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Volvo XC60, for a few examples. They're two-row models with reasonable rear-seat space and an emphasis on passenger comfort. These models usually have smaller engines or hybrid systems with good fuel economy, but some (like the GLC-Class) offer much sportier options. Fourth-gen RX Vs. First-Gen GLC-Class: Contenders For The Title Mercedes-BenzWhile both models share the same model years and compete in the same segment, they have drastically different powertrains. Lexus has since moved to a more diverse lineup for its fifth-generation RX, including gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models that all use four-cylinder engines. However, the fourth-gen models were limited to either a gas V6 or a hybrid version of the same engine. The Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, was all-new. It gave the brand a chance to show how simple, or how powerful, its two-row SUV could be. 2016–2022 Lexus RX Powertrain Specs LexusThough the fourth-gen RX had a single facelift about halfway through its generation, the model launched, and kept, both powertrains for its whole lifespan. Both the RX 350 and RX 450h were available for the 2016–2022 model years. Buyers could opt for the 350 with, you guessed it, a 3.5-liter gas V6 engine; it made a respectable 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft for its entire run in this model. The 450h used the same 3.5L V6 engine combined with a hybrid system that increased its output to 308 combined hp. Plus, this hybrid system resulted in better fuel economy. Both variants of the RX could come with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but the transmissions were separated by powertrain. 2016–2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Powertrain Specs Mercedes-BenzThe first-gen GLC-Class SUV's powertrains are a bit more complicated, but our table above lays it out as simply as possible. Mercedes-Benz launched the GLC with a single powertrain, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which lasted its entire generation. That engine made 241 horsepower until the 2020 model year when it was increased to 255 hp. A plug-in hybrid model was introduced for the 2020 model year as well. What impresses people more, though, is the AMG GLC 43, which came with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, and the AMG GLC 63, which has the brand's 4.0L twin-turbo V8. Both engines' outputs also varied by model year. Interior And Tech: Who Does It Better? LexusAs seen in the chart above, both models are fairly spacious as far as passenger space goes. Using figures for the 2022 model year, the RX beats the GLC SUV in every passenger dimension. However, the GLC-CLass SUV has superior cargo space. Either way, though, both models have more than enough space to keep adults comfortable in both rows. RX vs GLC-Class Amenities And Features Mercedes-BenzSome people might see the Lexus RX as a nicer Toyota, which it is, in a way. However, it's still a luxury model with plenty of comfort features. Focusing on the base model of the 2022 model year, buyers will be happy to find standard features like automatic dual-zone climate control, NuLuxe upholstery, a nine-speaker audio system, and more. It's also available with heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and more. The GLC-Class SUV is just as nice inside. Some of its standard features can be found below: Heated front seats Dual-zone automatic climate control Power front seats with driver memory 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Front/rear USB-C audio ports Current Used Values: Fourth-Gen RX And First-Gen GLC-Class LexusUsed cars vary in price depending on many factors, like mileage, number of owners, depreciation, cosmetic and mechanical conditions, and much more. Luxury models tend to depreciate even faster than mainstream models, too. That said, the RX seems to be holding up relatively well. The chart above represents current data on the 2022 RX 350 with FWD — the most basic combination you can find. Of course, the older model years are usually worth even less.Lexus models can hold their value better than some other luxury brands, since they're so reliable. With that in mind, it's easier to see why the GLC-Class SUV loses more value. It's like most German luxury models; this SUV costs more to maintain than some people think it's worth. The 2022 model year is already worth less than the RX of the same year, as seen in the chart above. Looking at the market shows the 2016 GLC SUV is worth under $15,000 for both RWD and AWD versions. One Is The Best-Selling Luxury SUV LexusWhile the GLC SUV might be a great luxury car with a diverse spread of powertrains and high-end comfort features, it's still no match for the Lexus RX's popularity. This article may focus on the previous generations of each model, but sales data continues to show how much more popular the RX is to this day. Reputable sales data from the 2025 fiscal year shows how the RX sold almost double the number of units compared to the GLC. In fact, Lexus actually sold more vehicles overall than Mercedes-Benz last year. That's not to say the GLC, or all of the brand's models, are bad, but Lexus' popularity keeps growing. Both Are Luxurious, But Which Would You Take? Mercedes-BenzWhen comparing the fourth-gen Lexus RX to the first-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, it's easy to see why the Lexus is so popular. For a similar starting price, buyers can get behind the wheel of a more reliable vehicle with plenty of luxury features. Plus, it holds its value better. That said, no car can beat depreciation; a used RX is more affordable today than ever. The GLC SUV is still a great model, though. It might not be as popular or as reliable, but buyers who don't mind paying the extra maintenance costs won't regret its driving experience.
