2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$49,125 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the GLA starting $7,625 lower at $41,500 compared to the RX's $49,125. Power output also shows a substantial gap, as the RX delivers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, vastly exceeding the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy favors the smaller crossover; the GLA achieves a 29 MPG combined rating, whereas the RX manages only 25 MPG combined. Furthermore, the physical footprint difference is significant, with the RX measuring 192.5 inches long against the GLA's 173.6 inches. This size disparity translates directly to cargo access, where the Lexus offers 29.6 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 15.4 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA provides superior daily running costs due to its 29 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Lexus RX's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX offers significantly more usable space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX delivers 54 more horsepower (275 hp vs 221 hp) and greater torque (317 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft), indicating superior performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a $7,625 lower initial cost while delivering better fuel efficiency at 29 MPG combined.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Maximum passenger and cargo volume (29.6 cu ft) is a non-negotiable requirement.
You prefer the increased low-end grunt provided by 317 lb-ft of torque.
A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over an automated manual.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Minimizing the initial purchase price is critical, as it saves $7,625 upfront.
Achieving 29 MPG combined fuel efficiency is prioritized over horsepower figures.
A more compact exterior dimension (173.6 inches length) is better suited for tight urban parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Mercedes-Benz GLA
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	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus RX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much more powerful is the Lexus RX compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The 2025 Lexus RX produces 275 horsepower, which is 54 hp more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's output of 221 hp. This results in 317 lb-ft of torque for the Lexus versus 258 lb-ft for the GLA.

What is the practical impact of the size difference between these two crossovers?

The Lexus RX is considerably larger, boasting a 192.5-inch length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This larger chassis directly provides the RX with nearly double the cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

Which vehicle requires premium fuel, and does this affect running costs?

Both vehicles recommend or require premium unleaded fuel. However, the GLA achieves a 29 MPG combined rating, offsetting some of the premium fuel expense compared to the RX's 25 MPG combined rating.

Is the price difference substantial enough to warrant choosing the smaller GLA?

Yes, the MSRP difference is significant at $7,625, with the 2026 GLA starting at $41,500 against the RX's $49,125. This saving outweighs the GLA's lower power output for budget-conscious buyers.

What are the transmission differences between the two models?

The 2025 Lexus RX utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which may offer a different feel during shifts.