Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Hyundai Santa Fe
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.
2016–2027
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2027
Hyundai Santa Fe
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 29 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 | $1,700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 84 g/mi ✓ | 111 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI | SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd, Automatic (S9) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2016–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 90 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GLC-Class vs Santa Fe: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
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 GLC-Class and Santa Fe offer?
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 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 GLC-Class and the Hyundai Santa Fe as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More GLC-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-glc-class-vs-hyundai-santa-fe