2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Acura RDX

$43,000 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Torn between premium badges and practical space? Deciding between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Acura RDX really boils down to whether you prioritize fuel efficiency or outright power and utility. The GLA-Class is noticeably thriftier, achieving a combined 29 MPG thanks to its FWD setup and 221 hp engine, making its premium fuel requirement sting a little less often. Conversely, the RDX boasts a stout 272 hp, providing 51 more horsepower than the Mercedes, but pays for it at the pump with a 23 combined MPG. Furthermore, the RDX offers significantly more room; its 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity dwarfs the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA starts lower at $43,000 versus the RDX's $45,100, these differences in efficiency and size will heavily influence ownership satisfaction.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency makes routine travel much easier on the wallet than the RDX.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX provides almost double the cargo space at 29.5 cu ft, which is crucial for hauling gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and standard AWD, the RDX offers a notably sportier power output than the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Starting $2,100 less, the GLA offers luxury entry at a lower initial purchase price.

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

You drive longer distances frequently and prioritize a 6 MPG advantage in fuel economy.
You prefer a smaller footprint for easier urban maneuvering (GLA is 173.6 inches long).
You are fine with the mandated use of premium unleaded fuel for efficiency gains.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You absolutely need nearly 30 cubic feet of functional cargo space for larger items.
You want the added security and traction provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer the extra pull from 272 hp for highway passing.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Acura RDX
Length	173.6"	187.4"
Width	72.2"	74.8"
Height	63.5"	65.7"
Wheelbase	107.4"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
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	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	9
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	60.0 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
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	55.0 in.
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	50.0 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much difference does the cargo capacity actually make between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Acura RDX offers 29.5 cu ft, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class only has 15.4 cu ft; that's nearly 14 cubic feet more room, translating to a much larger usable space for groceries or luggage.

Is the 51 horsepower difference between the two noticeable in daily driving?

Yes, the RDX's 272 hp output will likely feel significantly punchier during acceleration compared to the GLA-Class's 221 hp, especially if you frequently load up the vehicle.

Which vehicle uses premium gas more regularly?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class *requires* premium unleaded fuel for its operation, whereas the 2026 Acura RDX only *recommends* it for optimal performance.

Do the different sizes impact parking ease?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is shorter by about 13.8 inches compared to the RDX, making the GLA slightly easier to slide into tighter parking spots.

How does the transmission setup differ between the two options?

The GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, which is often geared for efficiency, while the RDX features a 10-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting more gear ratios for smoother power delivery.