2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus UX captivates with its phenomenal efficiency, boasting an impressive 43 combined MPG, a staggering 14 MPG advantage over the potent 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA. The GLA counters with spirited performance, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Lexus's 196 hp. However, this dynamic edge comes at a cost: the GLA demands premium fuel and carries a $4,760 higher MSRP, starting at $41,500 versus the UX's $36,740. While the UX offers slightly more utility with 17.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, the Mercedes sits taller at 63.5 inches versus the Lexus's 60.6 inches. For the budget-conscious driver prioritizing fewer fuel stops, the UX shines; for the driver demanding a livelier transmission and robust power figures, the GLA offers immediate gratification.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 43 combined MPG.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX provides slightly more practical storage with 17.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a significantly more engaging drive with 221 horsepower and an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX undercuts the GLA by $4,760 in MSRP and uses regular unleaded fuel, leading to substantial long-term savings.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- Your absolute priority is maximizing fuel stops, given its remarkable 43 combined MPG rating.
- You are optimizing for budget, as the $36,740 MSRP saves you $4,760 upfront compared to the GLA.
- You prefer the slightly more usable interior volume provided by its 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You crave more immediate thrust from the potent 221 horsepower engine, paired with 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You value the driving dynamics afforded by the quick-shifting 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You prefer a taller crossover stance, as the GLA stands 63.5 inches high, exceeding the UX's 60.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | 6 yr./ 62000 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How significantly does the fuel requirement affect the long-term cost between these two crossovers?
The difference is significant; the Lexus UX uses regular unleaded and achieves 43 combined MPG, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA mandates premium fuel while only achieving 29 combined MPG. This difference means higher, more frequent fuel expenses for the GLA owner.
Is the Lexus UX much slower than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, despite its better efficiency?
The Lexus UX produces 196 horsepower, making it less powerful than the GLA's 221 horsepower output. While the GLA feels punchier, the UX's efficiency makes it a compelling alternative for daily driving where outright speed is secondary to economy.
Which vehicle offers a superior driving experience regarding power delivery?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA provides a superior experience for enthusiasts, utilizing an 8-speed automated manual transmission for crisper shifts and leveraging 258 lb-ft of torque for better acceleration.
How does the real-world size differ between the 2025 UX and the 2026 GLA?
The Lexus UX is slightly longer at 177.0 inches compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, though the GLA is marginally taller at 63.5 inches. Both are very similarly sized in width, both measuring around 72.2 to 72.4 inches.
If I frequently carry luggage, which crossover offers more utility?
The 2025 Lexus UX edges out the competition here, providing 17.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
Is the higher starting price of the GLA justified by its performance advantage?
The GLA commands a $4,760 premium ($41,500 vs $36,740) for its extra 25 horsepower and superior transmission tuning. Whether this is 'justified' depends entirely on whether the buyer values performance excitement over the UX's cost savings and superior MPG.
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