2026 Genesis GV70 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Head-to-head review

There are your typical mass-produced SUVs that spread through the market like wildfire, and there are luxury SUVs that feel like a rare prize to be treasured. Why go with what everyone else is getting when you can drive around in a car that feels a lot more personal? Find your perfect match between the new 2026 Genesis GV70 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC for a ride that leaves a lasting impression, now and forever. Peruse the finest Genesis luxury SUVs near you when you shop at Genesis of Columbus.

Superior Performance

Drive feel is a staple in sophisticated drives. A car that glides across asphalt in a well-behaved manner allows you to pay attention to the finer details throughout the cabin, completely undisturbed. The 2026 Genesis GV70 delivers supreme power for casual cruising in Columbus, beginning with a 2.5L turbo engine with an output of 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque as standard. For upscale performance and silkier drives, the available 3.5L twin-turbo V6 delivers 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. To maintain peak composure on any terrain, the available Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview adapts your ride height to the path ahead before you even get there.

The best that the 2026 Mercedes-Benz can do is 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque on a smaller 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine. That leaves you with less reassurance on even the most basic of drives, and that's considering the brand's favored 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission system. Looking to upgrade the GLC? You won't find any alternative drivetrains here.

Top Safety

Genesis is all about giving the people what they want for a rewarding experience. For the new 2026 Genesis GV70 in Columbus, that results in advanced safety tech that's useful on any given day. Surround View Monitor hands over every vantage point you need on a silver platter. Blind Spot View Monitor takes away the second-guessing of switching lanes on the freeway. Advanced Rear Occupant Alert does everything possible to warn you of any forgotten backseat passengers long before panic can ensue. The GV70's arsenal of driver-assist features is designed to be your contingency plan to rely on before you can even leave your driveway.

PRE-SAFE takes the spotlight when it comes to your safety in the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC. This system reacts to potential collisions by tightening seat belts, moving chairs, and closing windows, all automatically. Anyone who can see the problem here might realize that all of these automations can prove dangerous should they malfunction. Rather than banking on the unknown, it's better to tread with caution by prioritizing proactive safety.

Opulent Interior

Back to that feel-good aura of classic luxury, the new Genesis GV70 keeps things classy with posh appointments and elegant design. Leatherette seats come standard to guarantee a high-end drive on any platform, and Nappa leather is made available with intricate stitching in contrasting colors for eye-catching allure. Customizable ambient lighting also comes standard for a drive that effortlessly matches your mood, day or night. Modern luxury is easily found front and center, taking form as a 27-inch OLED widescreen display standard on every model in Columbus.

Classic high-end design is guaranteed to appeal to anyone with great taste. What Mercedes-Benz has going on is another story with an ending that only a select few might applaud. In an attempt to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, the latest GLC model has a tendency to clash opposing styles in a way that feels unbalanced. Big, square vents with rounded corners stand out in a garish way, teetering between retro and contemporary in a way that doesn't mix. The available AMG Line interior theme tries to introduce the appearance of authentic wood paneling next to high-performance sports chairs, although it may come off as handing an acoustic guitar to a football player and expecting them to conjure up the next big country single.

The bottom line

The 2026 Genesis GV70 doesn't try to be something it's not. This is a high-end SUV that's proud to be a safe choice for those in Columbus who want classic luxury and a touch of modern tech without the gimmicks. The Mercedes-Benz GLC feels like a failed experiment that only appeals to a niche group, and it's perfectly fine if you don't fall into that clique.