RX V (AL30) vs GLC X254: which is better?
Lexus RX V (AL30) (2022–present) vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X254 (2022–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus RX V (AL30)
Mercedes-Benz GLC X254Specifications
| Lexus RX V (AL30) | Mercedes-Benz GLC X254 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2022–present | 2022–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 Turbo (RX350) | 2.0 Turbo (GLC300) |
| Power, up to | 279 hp | 258 hp |
| Torque, up to | 430 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 890 mm | 4 716 mm |
| Width | 1 920 mm | 1 890 mm |
| Height | 1 695 mm | 1 640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 850 mm | 2 888 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 62 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus RX V (AL30)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 279 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Toyota Dynamic Force engine (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A): new, little reliability data so far
- Gearbox Toyota Direct Shift 8AT/10AT: the gearboxes are new
Engine (Toyota Dynamic Force (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A)): few widespread issues: the engines are relatively new, with less data.
Gearbox (Toyota Direct Shift 8AT/10AT): the gearboxes are new; there are complaints about harsh shifts, fixed by a software update.
Mercedes-Benz GLC X254
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 258 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 9G-Tronic: jerky shifts when worn, software updates
Engine (Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176): engines are complex and expensive to repair; oil leaks and chain issues occur on M276/M278 at high mileage.
Gearbox (Mercedes 9G-Tronic): jerks when worn, software updates.
Which one to choose
- RX V (AL30) — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
- GLC X254 — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: RX V (AL30) or GLC X254?
RX V (AL30): up to 279 hp, GLC X254: up to 258 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: RX V (AL30) — about 28 750 ₸, GLC X254 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.