Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2020–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 20 configurations
2015–2027
Hyundai Santa Fe
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 25 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,700 | $1,700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 311 g/mi | 111 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI | SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM8) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2020–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 20 | 90 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GLB-Class vs Santa Fe: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 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 $2,700 for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class — a difference of roughly $1,000 per year.
What engines do the GLB-Class and Santa Fe offer?
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI. Hyundai Santa Fe: SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and the Hyundai Santa Fe as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More GLB-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-glb-class-vs-hyundai-santa-fe