2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$30,500 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 bursts onto the scene with rugged AWD capability standard, exciting drivers seeking adventure right from the $30,500 entry point, relying on 187 hp and achieving 28 MPG combined. Contrast this with the prestige and spirited punch of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which commands a significant $43,000 MSRP while delivering a potent 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the GLA offers superior refinement and better highway efficiency at 34 MPG, it compromises heavily on utility; its 15.4 cu ft of cargo space is dwarfed by the CX-50’s generous 31.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the GLA's FWD setup, although the Mercedes achieves slightly better fuel economy overall using premium fuel. This showdown pits raw utility and affordability against premium power and luxury presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its lower $30,500 MSRP and standard All-Wheel Drive capability at a lower operating cost with regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is the definitive family choice, offering nearly double the utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers a vastly superior performance experience with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The significant $12,500 price gap makes the CX-50 the clear value winner, providing a highly capable crossover without the luxury premium.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize utility and need 31.4 cu ft of space for gear and family items.
You must have All-Wheel Drive standard without paying extra for the feature.
You want to keep the starting cost low, with an MSRP of only $30,500.

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

You desire segment-leading power from the 221 hp engine coupled with 258 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently drive on the highway and value the slightly superior 34 Highway MPG.
The prestige and luxury feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge are non-negotiable.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	185.8"	173.6"
Width	75.6"	72.2"
Height	63.5"	63.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
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	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

What is the main financial difference between the 2025 CX-50 and the 2025 GLA-Class?

The Mazda CX-50 starts at a much more accessible $30,500 MSRP, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class demands $43,000, creating a steep $12,500 entry price difference between the two.

Does the higher horsepower in the GLA translate to a better city experience?

While the GLA’s 221 hp offers quicker acceleration, the CX-50 uses regular unleaded fuel, making its 25 MPG city rating more affordable to maintain than the GLA’s premium fuel requirement.

How significant is the cargo space disparity between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo room, which is exactly double the 15.4 cu ft available in the smaller Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Which vehicle offers standard capability in poor weather conditions?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 includes All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature across its lineup, whereas the base 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is equipped with Front Wheel Drive.

Comparing their transmissions, what is the functional difference?

The CX-50 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing a familiar feel, while the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual designed for quicker, modern shifts.

How does the required fuel type impact long-term ownership costs?

The CX-50 runs on cheaper regular unleaded fuel to achieve its 28 MPG combined rating, whereas the performance-focused GLA strictly mandates premium unleaded, adding significant operational expenditure.