2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura ADX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), establishing a $6,500 gap with the Acura starting at $35,000 against the Mercedes at $41,500. Performance metrics favor the GLA, which delivers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the ADX's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft by 31 hp and 79 lb-ft, respectively. Fuel economy presents a tighter contest, with the GLA achieving a combined 29 MPG compared to the ADX's 28 MPG, though both utilize front-wheel drive configurations. Dimensional analysis shows the ADX is significantly longer at 185.8 inches versus the GLA's 173.6 inches. Cargo utility also heavily favors the Acura, offering 24.4 cubic feet, exceeding the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet capacity. Both recommend premium unleaded fuel, though the GLA explicitly requires it.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura ADX
Lower entry price point and marginally less stringent fuel requirement offer better operational accessibility for daily use.
2025 Acura ADX
The ADX offers 9.0 cubic feet more cargo capacity (24.4 cu ft vs. 15.4 cu ft), providing superior utility for occupants and their gear.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA exhibits a quantifiable advantage with 221 hp and substantially higher torque output of 258 lb-ft.
2025 Acura ADX
The ADX undercuts the GLA's MSRP by $6,500 while providing superior physical dimensions and cargo volume.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Budget constraints mandate an entry price under $36,000.
- Maximum utility is required, indicated by the 24.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
- A slightly longer vehicle platform (185.8 inches) is preferred for perceived road stability.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Higher acceleration capability derived from 31 additional horsepower is a primary consideration.
- The required specification of an 8-speed automated manual transmission aligns with driver preference.
- A one MPG higher combined fuel economy rating (29 MPG) is essential for operating costs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 72.5" | 72.2" |
| Height | 63.8" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | 235/55R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How does the difference in torque affect real-world driving dynamics between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers 258 lb-ft of torque, which is 79 lb-ft more than the 2025 Acura ADX's 179 lb-ft, suggesting the GLA will have noticeably stronger low-end responsiveness and passing power.
Is the fuel requirement standardization a major difference for owners?
Yes; the 2025 Acura ADX only recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded, potentially increasing recurring operational costs.
Which vehicle provides more usable space behind the second row?
The 2025 Acura ADX is the clear leader in cargo volume, offering 24.4 cubic feet, significantly exceeding the 15.4 cubic feet provided by the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the primary mechanical difference in the transmissions offered?
The Acura utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Mercedes-Benz employs an 8-speed automated manual, resulting in different shift feel characteristics.
How much shorter is the Mercedes-Benz GLA compared to the Acura ADX?
The 2026 GLA measures 173.6 inches in length, making it 12.2 inches shorter than the 185.8-inch 2025 Acura ADX.
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