2025 Cadillac XT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA pits established American luxury against agile German efficiency. The XT5 excites with its commanding presence, boasting 235 hp from its standard engine, offering a taller stature at 66.1 inches and a generous 30 cubic feet of cargo space. Conversely, the GLA draws attention with its fuel economy, achieving a fantastic 29 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the XT5's 24 MPG, despite requiring the same premium fuel. While the Cadillac is notably larger at 189.6 inches long, the Mercedes undercuts it on price substantially, starting at $41,500 versus the XT5's $44,295 MSRP. Both offer strong torque figures, matching at 258 lb-ft, but the XT5 provides 24 more horsepower for those prioritizing sheer output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG.
2025 Cadillac XT5
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is the better choice for families, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 30 cubic feet compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
2025 Cadillac XT5
Enthusiasts will favor the Cadillac XT5 for its higher output of 235 horsepower over the GLA's 221 hp.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA presents better initial value, starting at $41,500, which is $2,795 less than the Cadillac XT5's starting MSRP of $44,295.
Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the XT5 offers 30 cubic feet of cargo volume.
- You prefer a larger vehicle footprint, evidenced by its 189.6-inch length and 66.1-inch height.
- You prioritize maximum straight-line power with 235 horsepower on tap.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLA achieves 34 highway MPG.
- You are looking for the lower entry point into premium ownership with a starting MSRP of $41,500.
- You prefer the more responsive feel of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac XT5 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the main efficiency difference between the 2025 XT5 and the 2026 GLA?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA pulls ahead significantly in fuel economy, delivering 29 MPG combined. The 2025 Cadillac XT5 trails slightly with a combined rating of 24 MPG, resulting in a 5 MPG advantage for the GLA.
How much more spacious is the Cadillac XT5 regarding cargo room?
The Cadillac XT5 offers considerably more utility for hauling gear or groceries, providing 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the smaller Mercedes-Benz GLA only manages 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Do both crossovers require the same type of fuel?
Yes, both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. The Cadillac recommends it, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA technically requires it for operation.
Which vehicle offers superior performance metrics?
While both offer identical torque at 258 lb-ft, the 2025 Cadillac XT5 wins on raw power, putting out 235 horsepower compared to the 2026 GLA's 221 horsepower.
How does the starting price compare for the 2025 XT5 vs. the 2026 GLA?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the more accessible option, starting at $41,500. The 2025 Cadillac XT5 commands a higher starting price of $44,295 before any options are added.
Are the driving dynamics similar given they are both FWD crossovers?
While both are FWD crossovers, the GLA utilizes a shorter wheelbase and an 8-speed automated manual transmission, suggesting a potentially tauter, more performance-oriented feel compared to the larger XT5's 9-speed shiftable automatic.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool