2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$38,045 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the practical luxury of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the powerful value of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 presents a classic automotive dilemma. Buyers must weigh upfront cost against prestige and efficiency. The Mazda CX-90 starts impressively low at $38,045, significantly undercutting the Mercedes' $49,250 MSRP by over $11,000. Despite the lower price, the CX-90 boasts higher performance metrics, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLC-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the smaller Mercedes offers slightly better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined, while the CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined, though both use 24 MPG in the city. The CX-90 is substantially larger at 200.8 inches long, potentially sacrificing some maneuverability for its impressive power output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the slightly more efficient choice for daily driving, achieving 32 MPG on the highway versus the CX-90's 28 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the superior choice for families needing space, offering a much larger body at 200.8 inches in length and significantly lower starting cost.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 is the clear winner for performance seekers, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the GLC-Class.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

With an MSRP of $38,045 versus $49,250, the CX-90 delivers superior horsepower for a far lower initial investment.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize sheer power, as the 2025 Mazda CX-90 delivers 280 hp compared to 255 hp in the Mercedes.
Sticking to a budget is paramount; the CX-90 saves you $11,205 in starting MSRP.
You need maximum real estate, given the CX-90's larger 200.8-inch length and standard AWD setup.

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

You prefer to run on less expensive fuel, as the GLC-Class uses regular unleaded while the Mercedes requires premium.
You value slightly better overall efficiency, posting a 27 MPG combined rating versus the CX-90's 25 MPG.
You need more usable cargo space, as the GLC-Class provides 21.9 cubic feet versus the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	200.8"	185.7"
Width	78.5"	74.4"
Height	68.2"	64.6"
Wheelbase	122.8"	113.7"

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear 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	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic 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	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-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	—	10-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	39.3 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.6 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 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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-90 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Does the price difference between these two crossovers impact fuel costs significantly?

Yes, the initial $11,205 price gap is notable, but buyers should also consider fuel. The CX-90 uses regular unleaded, while the GLC-Class requires premium fuel, which adds to its long-term running costs.

Which vehicle offers better performance for highway merging or passing?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is significantly stronger, offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLC-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

I often haul gear; how do the cargo capacities compare?

The smaller Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is surprisingly more utilitarian inside, offering 21.9 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the larger CX-90 only provides 14.9 cu ft.

Are the drivetrains very different between the two cars?

They utilize different base setups; the CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mated to an 8-speed automatic, while the GLC-Class is listed with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and a 9-speed automatic.

Which crossover is better for city driving based on specs?

While both achieve 24 MPG in the city, the shorter 185.7-inch length of the GLC-Class might make it slightly easier to maneuver and park in tight urban areas compared to the 200.8-inch CX-90.

How does the required fuel type affect the ownership experience?

The Mazda CX-90 allows you to use regular unleaded gasoline, which is generally less expensive per gallon than the premium fuel mandated by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.