2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$44,700 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA often boils down to whether you prioritize punchy performance or lean efficiency for your daily drive. The RDX starts higher at an MSRP of $44,700, while the GLA comes in at $41,500, giving the Mercedes a solid $3,200 head start on savings. However, that extra cash buys you serious power; the RDX boasts 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another major divergence: the GLA achieves an impressive combined 29 MPG (26 city/34 highway), significantly outperforming the RDX's 23 MPG combined, especially since the GLA runs on standard premium while the RDX recommends it. If you need space, the RDX is noticeably larger, offering 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy and lower initial price point.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX is the practical choice for families, offering significantly more utility with 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

With 272 horsepower, the RDX offers 51 more horsepower for those prioritizing brisk acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA provides better overall value by offering great efficiency and a $3,200 lower starting price than the RDX.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You require ample storage space, needing the full 29.5 cu ft offered by the larger RDX body.
You prefer a more robust powertrain featuring 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
You value standard all-wheel drive capability over maximum fuel savings.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, given the GLA’s 6 MPG combined advantage.
You want to save $3,200 upfront by opting for the more accessibly priced Mercedes-Benz.
A smaller footprint (173.6 inches long) suits your frequent city parking needs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Mercedes-Benz GLA
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much more powerful is the RDX compared to the GLA?

The 2025 Acura RDX produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 51 hp advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 horsepower.

Is the higher fuel consumption of the RDX worth the extra horsepower?

The RDX yields 23 MPG combined, which is 6 MPG less than the GLA's 29 MPG combined rating, so efficiency-focused buyers will notice the difference at the pump.

What is the cargo space difference between these two crossovers?

The Acura RDX is substantially roomier inside, providing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers only 15.4 cubic feet.

Do both models require premium gasoline?

Yes, but the requirement differs slightly; the RDX recommends premium unleaded, while the GLA mandates premium unleaded for its operation.

How does the price difference factor into the decision?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced $3,200 lower than the 2025 Acura RDX, offering a lower entry cost.

Are the drivetrains comparable in these two vehicles?

The RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic, while the GLA utilizes front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.