2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA often boils down to balancing luxury aspiration against outright practicality. While both are premium compact crossovers starting just over $40,000, their execution differs significantly. The Lexus NX starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $40,965 compared to the GLA's $41,500. However, the Mercedes brings notably more power, boasting 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque versus the Lexus's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the GLA edging out slightly at 29 combined MPG compared to the NX's 28. Where the NX pulls ahead decisively is size; it is over 9 inches longer at 183.5 inches and offers significantly more utility with 22.7 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, making the Lexus the clear choice for those needing roomier transport.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its slightly better range of use with regular unleaded fuel versus the GLA's premium requirement.
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more practical for families than the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA provides substantially more performance hardware, delivering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX has a lower entry MSRP of $40,965 and saves owners money by running on regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize cargo volume, as the Lexus NX provides a much larger 22.7 cu ft space.
- You want to stick to regular unleaded fuel instead of the premium required by the GLA.
- You need the slightly larger physical footprint, measuring 183.5 inches in length for better road presence.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You want snappier acceleration from the higher 221 hp engine output.
- You prefer the agility of a slightly smaller vehicle, with the GLA measuring 173.6 inches long.
- You desire the most fuel-efficient rating, achieving 34 MPG highway versus the NX's 33 MPG highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which vehicle will cost me less to run in terms of fuel?
The 2025 Lexus NX is generally cheaper to fuel because it accepts regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel.
Is the power difference between these two cars noticeable in city driving?
Yes, the GLA has a clear advantage with 221 hp compared to the NX's 203 hp, plus significantly more torque at 258 lb-ft versus 184 lb-ft, suggesting quicker responses from the Mercedes.
How much difference is there in physical size and storage between the NX and GLA?
The Lexus NX is noticeably larger, being over 9 inches longer and offering 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft.
Which crossover has a better highway MPG rating?
Both are very close, but the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA edges out the competition slightly, offering an estimated 34 MPG highway compared to the Lexus NX's 33 MPG highway rating.
What is the price difference between these two base models?
The 2025 Lexus NX has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $40,965, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $41,500.
Do the transmissions operate differently in these FWD crossovers?
Yes, the Lexus NX uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual.
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