2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Lexus NX

$43,000 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant performance disparity between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Lexus NX lies in fuel economy, where the Lexus achieves a combined 40 MPG compared to the Mercedes’ 29 MPG, an 11 MPG advantage. Although the GLA-Class has a slightly lower MSRP at $43,000 versus the NX’s $44,175, the Lexus compensates with superior utility, offering 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity against the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft. Power output is also unequal; the NX delivers 240 hp, outpacing the GLA’s 221 hp, though both utilize front-wheel drive configurations. Furthermore, the NX is physically larger, measuring 183.5 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. The GLA-Class, however, mandates premium unleaded fuel, whereas the NX only recommends it, affecting long-term running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 40 combined MPG rating compared to the GLA-Class’s 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX provides substantially more utility with 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX appeals more to driving enthusiasts by generating 240 hp, outperforming the 221 hp produced by the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus NX

Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $44,175, the NX offers significantly better long-term value through its 11 MPG advantage and greater cargo volume.

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

You prioritize a lower initial transaction price, with an MSRP of $43,000.
You prefer the specific shifting characteristics of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
You want the slightly smaller exterior footprint for easier urban maneuverability (173.6 inches in length).

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 40 combined MPG rating.
You require maximum storage, benefiting from 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You desire higher peak output with 240 horsepower available from the engine.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Lexus NX
Length	173.6"	183.5"
Width	72.2"	73.4"
Height	63.5"	66.1"
Wheelbase	107.4"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	9.8 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	—	10

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.3 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	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	56.3 in.
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	52.5 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Lexus NX.

How does the fuel requirement impact the cost of ownership between the two models?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more per gallon than regular grades. In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX only recommends premium, allowing owners to potentially save on fueling costs while still achieving an exceptional 40 combined MPG.

Is the size difference between the GLA-Class and the NX noticeable for passengers?

Yes, the 2026 Lexus NX is substantially larger than the GLA-Class, being 9.9 inches longer (183.5 inches vs. 173.6 inches) and taller (66.1 inches vs. 63.5 inches). This added external size translates directly into 7.3 cu ft more cargo space for the NX.

Which crossover offers superior acceleration based on the provided specifications?

Based strictly on horsepower figures, the 2026 Lexus NX is likely to be quicker, producing 240 hp. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers 221 hp, suggesting the NX has a measurable performance edge.

What is the functional difference between the two automatic transmissions offered?

The GLA-Class uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission, offering discrete gear changes, whereas the Lexus NX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which provides seamless, stepped-less acceleration.

Given the similar price points, why does the Lexus NX offer better value despite its higher MSRP?

The NX’s $44,175 MSRP is justified by superior efficiency (40 MPG vs. 29 MPG) and significantly larger utility (22.7 cu ft cargo vs. 15.4 cu ft). These measurable advantages outweigh the GLA-Class's $1,175 lower initial cost over time.

Do both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations?

Based solely on the provided data, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Lexus NX are specified as having front-wheel drive (FWD) as the base or standard configuration.