2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$40,965 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus NX offers a compelling blend of Lexus reliability and solid efficiency, boasting a 28 MPG combined rating. Its 203 hp engine is dependable, fitting neatly into a compact footprint at 183.5 inches long. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class leaps ahead in pure athleticism, unleashing 221 hp and a robust 258 lb-ft of torque, making it the more spirited driver. While slightly thirstier overall and demanding premium fuel, the GLA counters with superior highway cruising efficiency (34 MPG vs. NX's 33 MPG) and a more dynamic setup. However, the NX provides significantly more utility, offering 22.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's tighter 15.4 cu ft. The Lexus starts at a more accessible $40,965, undercutting the Mercedes' $43,000 MSRP, making the choice a balancing act between German performance flair and Japanese practical luxury.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its slightly better base cargo capacity and lower required fuel type (regular vs. premium).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX offers substantially more usability with 22.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class delivers significantly more punch with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, promising a more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX presents better value by starting $2,035 lower on MSRP while offering greater standard cargo volume.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prioritize long-term cost savings by avoiding the required premium unleaded fuel specified by the Mercedes.
Maximum usable space is critical, as the NX provides an impressive 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the GLA's automated manual.

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

You crave immediate acceleration, highlighted by the GLA’s 221 hp and superior 258 lb-ft of torque.
You desire a more agile footprint, as the GLA is nearly 10 inches shorter in length (173.6 inches vs. 183.5 inches).
Your driving emphasizes freeway efficiency, where the GLA nudges ahead with 34 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	183.5"	173.6"
Width	73.4"	72.2"
Height	66.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	105.9"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 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 Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	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	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

How significant is the performance gap between the Lexus NX and the Mercedes GLA?

The GLA-Class holds a clear performance edge, producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. This translates to noticeably quicker acceleration in the Mercedes.

Which crossover is more practical for carrying cargo?

The Lexus NX is the clear winner for cargo needs, offering 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is much tighter, providing only 15.4 cubic feet.

Does the fuel requirement affect the long-term cost of ownership?

Yes, the Mercedes GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, which adds cost per fill-up compared to the Lexus NX, which runs happily on regular unleaded.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The Lexus NX is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 183.5 inches in length and standing 66.1 inches tall. The GLA is shorter and slightly lower, enhancing its compact, city-friendly maneuverability.

How do the transmissions differ between these two models?

The Lexus NX utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission known for smooth shifts. Conversely, the Mercedes GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual, which often feels sportier but can feel different during low-speed operation.

Is the price difference justified by the MPG ratings?

The GLA costs $2,035 more but only nets a single MPG advantage on the highway (34 MPG vs. 33 MPG) and the same 26 MPG city rating, suggesting the higher price reflects performance rather than superior economy.