2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Shopping for a premium compact crossover often leaves buyers wondering if they should prioritize spirited performance or stretch their fuel budget. That's the core decision between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The RDX brings noticeably more muscle, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, perfect for those who enjoy passing power on the highway. Conversely, the GLA-Class shines brightly at the pump, delivering a combined 29 MPG compared to the RDX's 23 MPG, offering significant savings since both recommend premium fuel. While the RDX is physically larger at 187.4 inches long with 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, the smaller GLA-Class (15.4 cu ft cargo) keeps its starting price lower at $43,000 versus the Acura's $44,700. Buyers must weigh the RDX's 51-hp advantage against the GLA’s superior efficiency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its excellent 29 MPG combined fuel economy, saving money on daily drives.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX offers substantially more usable space with 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA’s 15.4 cubic feet.
2025 Acura RDX
With 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX provides a far punchier driving experience than the GLA's 221 horsepower.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class starts at a lower MSRP of $43,000 and delivers significantly better fuel economy.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- You prioritize powerful acceleration, benefiting from the RDX's 272 hp engine.
- You need maximum utility, leveraging the RDX’s generous 29.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
- You prefer the added stability of a standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Your absolute top priority is minimizing fuel stops, taking advantage of 34 MPG highway.
- You are looking to keep the initial purchase price lower, starting at $43,000.
- You are shopping for a smaller crossover, noted by its 173.6-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 173.6" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 65.7" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 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 | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| 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 | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Does the fuel type requirement make a big difference in running costs between these two?
Yes, both require premium unleaded fuel, but the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class achieves 6 MPG better combined (29 MPG vs. 23 MPG), meaning you will buy less premium fuel over time with the Mercedes.
How much larger is the Acura RDX physically than the Mercedes GLA-Class?
The RDX is noticeably larger; it is over 13 inches longer (187.4 inches vs. 173.6 inches) and wider, contributing directly to its superior cargo capacity.
Is the 51 horsepower deficit in the GLA significant for daily driving?
While the RDX has a clear power advantage, the GLA’s 221 horsepower combined with its lighter weight should still feel adequate for city driving, though it won't match the RDX’s eagerness.
Which vehicle has better standard powertrain technology?
The 2025 Acura RDX uses a more robust-sounding 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the GLA-Class uses an 8-speed automated manual.
Considering the listed specs, is the RDX better for hauling than the GLA?
Based purely on the provided figures, the RDX is significantly better for hauling interior items, offering nearly double the usable storage space at 29.5 cubic feet versus the GLA’s 15.4 cubic feet.
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