2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$43,000 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 bursts onto the scene emphasizing raw output with 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, housed in a roomier 184.7-inch frame built for confident AWD cruising. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA prioritizes European agility and remarkable thrift, sipping fuel to achieve an impressive 29 MPG combined, significantly better than the QX50's 25 MPG combined. While the QX50 boasts a substantial 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's tighter 15.4 cu ft, the Mercedes counters with a lower $41,500 MSRP against the INFINITI's $43,000 starting price. Enthusiasts will certainly lean toward the QX50’s muscular 47 hp advantage, but daily drivers facing frequent stops will appreciate the GLA's superior 34 MPG highway rating over the QX50’s 28 MPG highway efficiency. This battle pits power and space against ultimate efficiency in the compact crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers significantly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the QX50's 25 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 INFINITI QX50

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 provides almost double the utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 INFINITI QX50

The INFINITI QX50 unleashes 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the GLA's 221 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA commands a lower entry price of $41,500 and delivers superior fuel efficiency for long-term running costs.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

You prioritize outright performance, benefitting from 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum utility is essential, given its substantial 31.4 cu ft of standard cargo capacity.
You prefer the enhanced traction security provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, as it achieves 29 MPG combined (26 city/34 highway).
You seek a lower starting MSRP at $41,500 compared to the QX50's $43,000 price tag.
A smaller footprint is advantageous, as the GLA is 11.1 inches shorter in length than the QX50.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX50	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	184.7"	173.6"
Width	74.9"	72.2"
Height	66.0"	63.5"
Wheelbase	110.2"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	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	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800 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	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/448.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
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	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	39.6 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 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	✓	✓
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	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How does the driving dynamics differ between the QX50 and the GLA?

The QX50, with 280 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD, feels more geared toward robust cruising and confident grip. The GLA utilizes a sportier 8-speed automated manual transmission paired with FWD, favoring agile handling in a smaller package.

Which crossover is significantly better for long road trips regarding fuel?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear efficiency leader, netting 29 MPG combined versus the QX50’s 25 MPG combined. This translates to fewer fuel stops on extended journeys for the GLA.

Is the power difference between the two noticeable in daily driving?

Absolutely; the QX50 possesses a 47 hp advantage, translating to quicker acceleration, especially when merging or passing, thanks to its 268 hp output.

What is the main trade-off when opting for the smaller Mercedes GLA?

The primary compromise is cargo space; the GLA offers only 15.4 cu ft behind the rear seats, whereas the QX50 provides a massive 31.4 cu ft for gear.

Are both models restricted to premium fuel?

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 recommends premium unleaded, but the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA requires it, ensuring both deliver peak performance from their respective engines.

How do the MSRPs compare for these two AWD-capable vehicles?

The Mercedes GLA starts at $41,500, making it the less expensive entry point, while the INFINITI QX50, which comes standard with AWD, is priced slightly higher at $43,000.