2025 Lexus UX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus UX bursts onto the scene with a dazzling focus on efficiency, boasting an impressive 43 combined MPG, making it the clear choice for marathon commuting. Its starting MSRP of $36,740 undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class by a substantial $6,260. Meanwhile, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class thrills with raw performance, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the Lexus's 196 hp. While the Mercedes demands premium unleaded fuel and manages only 29 combined MPG, its driving dynamics are sharper. The GLA is marginally shorter in length at 173.6 inches but offers a higher stance at 63.5 inches. The Lexus leans into sensibility with its FWD platform and ultra-efficient CVT, promising fewer stops at the pump while the GLA prioritizes dynamic engagement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX wins for commuters due to its exceptional 43 combined MPG, vastly superior to the GLA's 29 MPG.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX offers slightly more practical space with 17.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class dominates enthusiast appeal with 221 horsepower and the engaging 8-speed automated manual transmission.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX provides excellent value, starting $6,260 lower than the Mercedes and requiring only regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, highlighted by its outstanding 45 City MPG.
- You prefer a lower entry price point, starting at $36,740.
- You want the peace of mind of a standard engine requiring regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You seek superior acceleration, thanks to 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the shift characteristics of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
- You value a taller ride height, as the GLA stands 63.5 inches tall versus the UX's 60.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 173.6" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.2" |
| Height | 60.6" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed 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) | 45/41 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/434.6 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.8 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 | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/50R18 | 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 UX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The difference is substantial; the Lexus UX achieves 43 combined MPG, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is rated at only 29 combined MPG. This 14 MPG gap means significantly less time spent at the pump in the Lexus.
Is the required fuel type a major consideration when comparing these crossovers?
Yes, the Lexus UX accepts regular unleaded gasoline, keeping running costs down. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, adding to its long-term ownership expense.
Which crossover offers better performance metrics?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the clear performance winner, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Lexus UX's 196 hp.
How do the price points compare for the base models?
There is a $6,260 price difference favoring the Lexus UX, which starts at $36,740. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class begins its specification list at $43,000.
Does the smaller footprint of the Mercedes-Benz GLA affect cargo space?
Despite being shorter in length (173.6 inches vs. 177.0 inches for the Lexus), the Mercedes-Benz GLA actually has less primary cargo capacity at 15.4 cu ft compared to the Lexus UX's 17.1 cu ft.
Which vehicle uses a more traditional transmission setup?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for distinct gear shifts, while the Lexus UX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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