Lexus ES300h vs Mercedes-Benz C300
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mercedes-Benz C300
Overview
| Spec | Lexus ES300h300h | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 300h | C 300 |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Model year | 2025 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus ES300h300h | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $43,440 (best) | $49,650 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lexus ES300h300h | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 44 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 43 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 44 MPG (best) | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 17.4 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus ES300h300h | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 255 hp (best) |
| Torque | — | 295 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus ES300h300h | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.9 cu ft (best) | 11.6 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,730 lbs (best) | 3,825 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 113 in (best) | 112.8 in |
| Length | 195.9 in (best) | 187 in |
| Width | 73.4 in | 74.4 in (best) |
| Height | 56.9 in (best) | 56.6 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus ES300h300h | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Lexus ES300h | Mercedes-Benz C300 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300h $43,440 MSRP(Currently comparing) | C 300 $49,650 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 300h F SPORT Design $47,825 MSRP | C 300 4MATIC $51,650 MSRP |
| 3 | 300h Luxury $48,610 MSRP | — |
| 4 | 300h F SPORT Handling $49,735 MSRP | — |
| 5 | 300h Ultra Luxury $52,330 MSRP | — |
Lexus ES300h vs Mercedes-Benz C300 FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Lexus ES300h or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Lexus ES300h vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Lexus ES300h or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Lexus ES300h starts lower at $43,440.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Lexus ES300h or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- The 2025 Lexus ES300h leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (43,440).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Lexus ES300h or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- The 2025 Lexus ES300h leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (44).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Lexus ES300h or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 leads on horsepower in this comparison (255).