Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 41 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 12 mpg advantage and costs about $1,100 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Escape leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2016–2027
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2026
Ford Escape
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 68 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 29 mpg | 41 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg | 44 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 38 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 | $1,500 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 84 g/mi | 52 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI | Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd, Automatic (S9) | Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Gasoline or E85 |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2016–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 68 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GLC-Class vs Escape: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 41 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 12 mpg advantage and costs about $1,100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Escape runs about $1,500 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — a difference of roughly $1,100 per year.
What engines do the GLC-Class and Escape offer?
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI. Ford Escape: Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and the Ford Escape as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More GLC-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-glc-class-vs-ford-escape