2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$40,445 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Get ready for a fascinating clash between sculpted athleticism and sophisticated efficiency! The 2025 Mazda CX-70 bursts onto the scene with a potent standard engine delivering a thrilling 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, promising genuine driver engagement right off the line. Contrast that with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which prioritizes efficiency and urban agility with its smaller footprint and impressive 29 combined MPG, achieved while running on premium fuel. The CX-70 dwarfs the GLA in utility, offering a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's modest 15.4 cu ft. However, the GLA claws back ground with superior fuel economy, delivering up to 34 highway MPG compared to the Mazda's 28 highway MPG, despite the Mazda having 59 more standard horsepower. With MSRPs separated by just over $1,000, the choice hinges on whether you crave raw power and space or nimble, frugal luxury.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its significantly better 29 combined MPG efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers vastly superior utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 dominates the performance metrics with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, crushing the GLA's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 provides 59 more horsepower and nearly three times the cargo space for a lower base MSRP of $40,445.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You need maximum hauling capability, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Driver engagement is paramount, as the 280 hp engine offers superior acceleration.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Exceptional fuel economy is your top priority, delivering up to 34 highway MPG.
You seek superior maneuverability in tight city settings with a shorter 173.6-inch length.
The prestige and refined, albeit compact, luxury ambiance of Mercedes-Benz is essential.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	200.8"	173.6"
Width	-	72.2"
Height	68.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
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	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
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	39.3 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-70 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How does the required fuel type affect the running costs between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-70 runs on regular unleaded, which is typically less expensive than the premium unleaded required by the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Although the GLA gets 4 MPG better combined (29 vs 25), the Mazda's fuel type choice can offset some of the GLA's efficiency advantage over time.

Is the performance gap noticeable between the 280 hp Mazda and the 221 hp Mercedes?

Absolutely; the 59 hp difference, combined with the Mazda’s 332 lb-ft of torque versus the GLA's 258 lb-ft, means the CX-70 will feel significantly quicker and more responsive, particularly when merging or passing.

Which vehicle is better suited for long road trips involving luggage?

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the definitive choice for cargo, offering 39.6 cu ft, which is more than double the 15.4 cu ft available in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Given their similar MSRPs, why is the GLA so much less powerful?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA leans into efficiency and its FWD-based platform, whereas the CX-70 prioritizes Mazda's KODO design ethos which often features larger, more potent standard engines like the 280 hp unit, all paired with standard AWD.

How do the drivetrains compare for varied weather conditions?

The CX-70 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering better traction confidence in snow or rain, while the GLA features a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system.

Which car is physically smaller and easier to park downtown?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly more compact, measuring 173.6 inches in length compared to the CX-70's substantial 200.8 inches, making the GLA the nimbler urban choice.