2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$30,500 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged affordability of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the premium compact utility of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB presents a classic value versus prestige dilemma. The CX-50 starts at a compelling $30,500, undercutting the GLB’s $43,800 MSRP by a significant $13,300 right off the bat. While the Mercedes offers more pep with 221 hp versus the Mazda’s 187 hp, both vehicles surprisingly achieve the same 28 MPG combined, though the CX-50 smartly runs on regular unleaded while the GLB demands premium fuel. Furthermore, the CX-50 provides superior practicality with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLB’s 22 cu ft. This comparison boils down to whether superior standard features and brand cachet are worth the higher initial cost and extra fueling expenses over the long haul.

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 significantly lower $30,500 starting MSRP, making daily driving economics much better.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

With 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLB's 22 cu ft, the CX-50 easily swallows more family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides substantially better value, saving buyers $13,300 upfront and running on cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need to save money upfront, as the $30,500 MSRP is $13,300 less than the GLB.
You prioritize cargo hauling, given the CX-50's generous 31.4 cu ft of space.
You want to save money on fuel costs since the CX-50 uses regular unleaded instead of premium.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

You want more acceleration and power, benefiting from the GLB's 221 hp output.
You prefer a slightly taller stance for better visibility, as the GLB is 66.7 inches high compared to 63.5 inches.
You want the technical sophistication of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a traditional 6-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	185.8"	182.4"
Width	75.6"	72.2"
Height	63.5"	66.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	111.4"

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	—	✓
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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	15.9 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.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.1 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.9 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 GLB.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB?

Surprisingly, both vehicles are rated for 28 MPG combined. However, the CX-50 has slightly better highway mileage at 31 MPG and uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the GLB requires more expensive premium fuel to achieve its 33 MPG highway rating.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB truly more powerful than the Mazda CX-50?

Yes, the GLB holds a clear performance advantage, producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more than the CX-50's output of 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers more space for hauling gear?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for cargo capacity, boasting 31.4 cubic feet. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers significantly less utility at only 22 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

What is the major trade-off when choosing the less expensive Mazda CX-50?

The primary trade-off is performance and prestige; you sacrifice 34 horsepower and the luxury badge associated with Mercedes-Benz to save $13,300 on the sticker price.

Does the drive type differ significantly between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base Mercedes-Benz GLB utilizes Front Wheel Drive, which could impact traction in poor weather.

How much smaller is the Mercedes-Benz GLB physically than the Mazda CX-50?

The GLB is slightly smaller overall, measuring 182.4 inches long compared to the CX-50’s 185.8 inches. It is also notably narrower at 72.2 inches wide versus the Mazda's 75.6 inches.