2025 Lexus RX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$49,125 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus RX captivates with refined power, boasting 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, presenting a comfortable, premium sanctuary in its generous 192.5-inch frame. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class charms with agile efficiency, maximizing its smaller footprint (173.6 inches long) while achieving a superior combined 29 MPG, trouncing the RX’s 25 MPG rating. This is a clash between robust power and nimbleness. The Lexus commands $49,125, a premium over the GLA's $43,000 entry point, reflecting its size advantage and 54 hp surplus. While the GLA offers significantly better fuel economy across the board, the RX delivers superior hauling capability with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mercedes' 15.4 cu ft, making the decision pivot on whether space or frugality dictates your driving dynamic.

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 superior fuel efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX provides substantially more utility for families, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers significantly more driving motivation with its 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque versus the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers better immediate value, costing $6,125 less while providing a noticeable 4 MPG advantage.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize smooth, proven performance with 275 hp and a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum cargo utility is essential, given the RX's 29.6 cu ft capacity.
You prefer a larger, more substantial footprint (192.5 inches long) for on-road presence.

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

Fuel economy is paramount, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG highway versus the RX's 29 MPG highway.
You are looking for the most affordable entry point, saving $6,125 compared to the Lexus MSRP.
You prefer a more compact, agile vehicle better suited for urban maneuvering (173.6 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	192.5"	173.6"
Width	75.6"	72.2"
Height	67.3"	63.5"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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 Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	✓	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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 RX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Lexus RX than the GLA-Class?

The 2025 Lexus RX holds a distinct performance edge, generating 275 horsepower, which is 54 more than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 221 horsepower rating. This power difference translates to 317 lb-ft of torque in the RX versus 258 lb-ft in the GLA.

Is the difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers significant?

Yes, the difference is quite significant for daily driving. The GLA-Class earns a combined 29 MPG, whereas the Lexus RX is rated for 25 combined MPG, giving the Mercedes an advantage on fuel spending over time.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling gear or luggage?

The Lexus RX is the superior choice for cargo needs, offering 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is substantially smaller in this metric, providing only 15.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

What is the primary price disparity between the two models?

The 2025 Lexus RX starts at an MSRP of $49,125, establishing a price gap of $6,125 when compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which begins at $43,000.

Do both vehicles utilize premium gasoline?

Both crossovers require premium fuel, but the requirements differ slightly; the Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel for its operation.

What is the transmission difference between the two FWD crossovers?

The Lexus RX uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a familiar driving feel, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission.