Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $900 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Hyundai Santa Fe
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations
2016–2027
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Santa Fe | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,700 ✓ | $2,600 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 111 g/mi | 84 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd, Automatic (S9) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2016–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 90 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Santa Fe vs GLC-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $900 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Santa Fe runs about $1,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — a difference of roughly $900 per year.
What engines do the Santa Fe and GLC-Class offer?
Hyundai Santa Fe: SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: hyundai-santa-fe-vs-mercedes-benz-glc-class