2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 screams premium capability right off the line with a potent 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque delivered through its standard All-Wheel Drive system, promising confident, powerful cruising. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class captivates with its prestigious badge and superior fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined. The size disparity is significant: the CX-90 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, giving it a more commanding road presence and likely more interior volume, though the GLA surprisingly edges it out slightly in cargo space at 15.4 cu ft versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft. The power gap is massive, with the CX-90 boasting 59 more horsepower than the GLA’s 221 hp, though the Mercedes requires more expensive premium unleaded fuel, impacting its real-world running costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers significantly better fuel economy at 29 MPG combined, which is ideal for daily driving duties.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90, being 200.8 inches long, likely offers superior passenger space for a growing family compared to the compact GLA-Class.
2025 Mazda CX-90
With 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the CX-90 delivers substantially greater performance grunt than the 221 hp offered by the GLA-Class.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 provides significantly more power and a larger footprint for a lower starting MSRP of $38,045, undercutting the GLA by $4,955.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You demand superior straight-line performance, benefitting from the 280 hp and standard AWD.
- You need the maximum practicality from a larger 200.8-inch overall length for potential third-row access or comfort.
- You prefer to save money on fuel expenses by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG on the highway.
- You prioritize brand prestige and a smaller footprint better suited for tight urban environments.
- You prefer an 8-speed automated manual transmission experience over the CX-90's traditional automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 78.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate 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 (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.7 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: 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 Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| 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 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Which vehicle will cost less to run daily?
The Mazda CX-90 will likely be cheaper to run daily because it accepts regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class explicitly requires premium fuel, adding cost per fill-up.
How much larger is the Mazda CX-90 than the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The Mazda CX-90 is significantly larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class at only 173.6 inches, making the Mazda over 27 inches longer overall.
Is the performance difference noticeable between the two?
Yes, the CX-90 has 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the GLA-Class produces only 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; this nearly 60 hp difference translates to noticeably quicker acceleration in the Mazda.
Does the smaller Mercedes offer better cargo hauling capacity?
Surprisingly, the more compact Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers slightly more cargo capacity at 15.4 cu ft compared to the much larger CX-90's 14.9 cu ft when both are in their base configurations.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the clear winner in efficiency, posting a 29 MPG combined rating versus the Mazda CX-90’s 25 MPG combined.
What is the primary cost disparity at the dealership?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a starting MSRP of $38,045, which is $4,955 less expensive than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starting at $43,000.
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