2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$30,500 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the $11,000 difference in starting MSRP, with the CX-50 priced at $30,500 compared to the GLA's $41,500. Performance metrics show the GLA leads significantly, offering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque versus the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Fuel economy is surprisingly similar, with the GLA achieving 29 MPG combined to the CX-50's 28 MPG combined, although the GLA mandates premium unleaded fuel. However, utility heavily favors the Mazda; the CX-50 provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, more than double the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. The CX-50 standardizes AWD with its 6-speed automatic transmission, while the GLA is FWD standard with an 8-speed automated manual.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers superior combined fuel economy at 29 MPG and utilizes a more advanced 8-speed automated manual transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft, enhancing practicality.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA delivers substantially more power with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 has an MSRP that is $11,000 lower while still providing standard all-wheel drive.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Budget is the primary constraint, given the $30,500 MSRP versus the GLA's $41,500.
Maximum usable storage is required, as 31.4 cu ft vastly surpasses the GLA’s capacity.
The user prefers the lower running cost associated with regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Higher performance is desired, evidenced by the 221 hp and 258 lb-ft output.
The user prioritizes superior fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined (though requiring premium fuel).
A more compact exterior dimension (173.6 inches in length) is preferable for urban maneuverability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Mercedes-Benz GLA
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	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

What is the primary mechanical difference concerning drivetrain and transmission?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 includes standard all-wheel drive paired with a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with front-wheel drive and utilizes a modern 8-speed automated manual transmission.

How does the required fuel type impact ownership costs?

The CX-50 uses regular unleaded gasoline, generally less expensive per gallon. The GLA requires premium unleaded, which typically carries a significant cost premium, potentially offsetting its marginally better 29 MPG combined rating over the CX-50's 28 MPG.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA significantly more powerful than the Mazda CX-50?

Yes, the GLA possesses a distinct power advantage, producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear utilitarian leader, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 16.0 cubic feet greater than the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.

How much smaller is the GLA physically than the CX-50?

The GLA is noticeably shorter in length by 12.2 inches (173.6 inches vs. 185.8 inches) and is also narrower by 3.4 inches (72.2 inches vs. 75.6 inches), while both share an identical height of 63.5 inches.

Does the higher MSRP of the GLA translate to better MPG ratings?

Marginally, the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined versus the CX-50's 28 MPG combined; however, the Mazda uses regular fuel while the Mercedes demands premium fuel for its slightly higher efficiency figure.