Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Toyota Fortuner
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888 against the Toyota Fortuner’s RM195,880, so the RM134,008 gap is not small money. The GLC is the quicker, more road-biased SUV here, with 201 hp, a 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time and a much larger 620-litre boot. The Fortuner fights back with seven seats, 400 Nm from its 2.4-litre diesel and an 80-litre tank. For a Malaysian buyer, this is less about size alone and more about use: premium five-seat pace versus family-hauling diesel practicality.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the stronger five-seat SUV, a 620-litre boot and the lower RM440 annual road tax.
Pick the Toyota Fortuner if you need seven seats, diesel torque and a lower RM195,880 purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888; Toyota Fortuner RM195,880
- Seats: Mercedes-Benz GLC 5; Toyota Fortuner 7
- Power and torque: Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp/320 Nm; Toyota Fortuner 148 hp/400 Nm
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 litres; Toyota Fortuner 200 litres
- Size: Mercedes-Benz GLC 4,716 mm long/1,640 mm tall; Toyota Fortuner 4,795 mm long/1,835 mm tall
- Road tax: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM440/year; Toyota Fortuner RM754/year
GLC
- 201 hp and 7.8-second 0-100 km/h performance
- 620-litre boot is far larger
- Lower RM440 annual road tax
- RM134,008 more expensive to buy
- Five seats only
- Shorter 4-year warranty
Fortuner
- Seven-seat cabin
- 400 Nm diesel torque
- 80-litre fuel tank
- Only 148 hp
- 200-litre boot capacity
- Higher RM754 annual road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 329,888 | RM 195,880✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist | 16-valve DOHC with Common-rail Direct Injection, Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp✓ | 148 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Diesel |
| Bore | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 15.6 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 23 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 1 kWh | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 9G-Tronic | 6-speed Automatic with Sequential Shifter |
| Gears | 9 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.8 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 221 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,716 mm | 4,795 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,640 mm | 1,835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,090 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 620 litres✓ | 200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 265/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 265/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Bridgestone Dueler A/T |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Ladder-frame |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 4 stars — With 3 airbags and no stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available on 2 Outer Middle Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with one-touch tumble, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row with one-touch space up |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Middle Row, 1 Boot, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 4 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | — |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 440✓ | RM 754 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
GLC vs Fortuner FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Toyota Fortuner better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is better for performance, boot space and lower road tax. The Toyota Fortuner is better if you need seven seats, diesel torque and a much lower purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888, while the Toyota Fortuner costs RM195,880. The GLC is RM134,008 more expensive.
Which one is more practical for a family?
The Toyota Fortuner has seven seats, so it suits larger families. The Mercedes-Benz GLC has only five seats but a much bigger 620-litre boot versus the Fortuner’s 200 litres.