2025 Cadillac XT5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$44,295 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

So, you're trying to decide between the comfortably sized 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the compact luxury punch of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Many buyers struggle when space and efficiency clash, and these two represent different priorities. The XT5 offers significantly more practicality, boasting 30 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLA-Class's smaller 15.4 cu ft capacity. However, that extra utility comes at a cost to fuel economy; the GLA achieves a superior Combined MPG of 29, beating the XT5’s 24 MPG, a noticeable 5 MPG difference over a year of driving. While the XT5 has more output at 235 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp, both vehicles rely on premium fuel. Pricewise, they are quite close, with the XT5 starting at $44,295 and the GLA-Class slightly lower at $43,000, making the decision hinge heavily on whether you prioritize size or fuel savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its significantly better 29 Combined MPG rating, leading to lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 is the clear choice for families needing more room, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 30 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 provides more power with 235 horsepower compared to the GLA-Class's 221 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class offers better long-term value through superior fuel efficiency (29 MPG vs. 24 MPG) for a lower initial MSRP of $43,000.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

You frequently carry bulky items and need 30 cubic feet of accessible cargo space.
You prefer the slightly higher output of 235 horsepower for quicker acceleration.
You want a longer vehicle (189.6 inches) providing a more substantial presence on the road.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...

Maximizing fuel economy is a top priority, evidenced by its 29 Combined MPG.
You prefer the lower starting MSRP of $43,000.
Your driving often involves city use, where the GLA’s 26 City MPG outperforms the XT5’s 22 City MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT5	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	189.6"	173.6"
Width	74.9"	72.2"
Height	66.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	112.0"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	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	235 hp @ 5000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	418.0/551.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	8	—
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	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.1 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
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 Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P235/65R	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	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	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

How much bigger is the 2025 Cadillac XT5 cargo area compared to the GLA-Class?

The Cadillac XT5 is substantially larger inside for hauling gear, offering 30 cubic feet of cargo space. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class provides a much tighter 15.4 cubic feet, which is nearly half the capacity.

Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency for highway driving?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class pulls ahead on the highway, achieving an EPA rating of 34 Highway MPG. The Cadillac XT5 trails slightly behind with 29 Highway MPG.

Are both of these premium SUVs required to use premium gasoline?

Yes, both vehicles recommend or require premium fuel; the XT5 recommends it, while the GLA-Class specifically requires premium unleaded for its 221 hp output.

What is the difference in horsepower between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 produces 235 horsepower, giving it a 14 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which is rated at 221 horsepower.

How does the overall length and handling differ between the two based on size?

The XT5 is significantly longer at 189.6 inches, suggesting a more traditional, possibly smoother highway ride. The GLA-Class is considerably shorter at 173.6 inches, making it the more maneuverable choice for tight city parking spots.

Since the MSRPs are close, what justifies the XT5's higher starting price of $44,295?

The XT5's higher starting price generally covers its larger physical size, the marginally greater horsepower, and the larger cargo volume of 30 cubic feet compared to the GLA's starting point of $43,000.