2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the spacious 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the upscale 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA often comes down to size versus efficiency. The CX-90 demands a slightly higher price for its larger footprint, measuring 200.8 inches long, whereas the GLA is a more compact offering. Power-wise, the Mazda dominates, offering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, efficiency favors the smaller Mercedes, achieving a combined 29 MPG, significantly better than the CX-90’s 25 MPG, though the GLA requires costly premium fuel. Despite the fuel economy gap, the Mazda offers more bulk for a starting MSRP of $38,045 versus the GLA's $41,500 entry point, presenting a classic trade-off between utility and premium badge appeal in this crossover battle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is better for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, easing daily running costs.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the winner for families thanks to its substantially larger 200.8-inch length and presumably greater passenger volume.
2025 Mazda CX-90
Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda for its significantly higher output of 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda offers a lower starting MSRP of $38,045 and substantially more power for the money compared to the Mercedes.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize sheer power, as the Mazda delivers 280 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp.
- You need more room for cargo or passengers, given the CX-90's larger dimensions and lower stance.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium required by the Mercedes.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, with the GLA achieving 29 MPG combined.
- You prefer a smaller vehicle for easier city maneuvering and parking.
- You value the Mercedes-Benz luxury badge and slightly better highway efficiency (34 MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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: 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway driving?
While the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets better overall mileage at 29 MPG combined, the Mazda CX-90 is longer (200.8 inches) and uses regular fuel, which can balance out operating costs over long trips.
Is the Mazda CX-90 actually a larger vehicle than the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Yes, the CX-90 is notably larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, suggesting greater interior space despite the provided cargo capacity being similar (14.9 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft).
How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?
The Mazda CX-90 is significantly more potent, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, whereas the GLA produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, making the Mazda much quicker.
Does the required fuel type affect the running costs?
The Mercedes GLA requires premium unleaded, which is typically more expensive than the regular unleaded used by the Mazda CX-90, potentially negating some of the GLA's 4 MPG efficiency advantage.
Which car is less expensive to purchase initially?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a lower starting MSRP at $38,045, saving you $3,455 upfront compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's $41,500 base price.
Are their drivetrains very different?
They have key differences: the Mazda comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a traditional automatic transmission, while the Mercedes is Front Wheel Drive (FWD) utilizing an automated manual transmission.
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