2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Mazda CX-70
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class injects sophisticated style into the compact crossover segment, offering an efficient 29 MPG combined on premium fuel, a direct appeal for city-focused drivers valuing refinement over brute force. In sharp contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 arrives ready to dominate, packing a robust 280 hp and a hefty 332 lb-ft of torque—a significant 59 hp advantage over the Mercedes. While the GLA boasts better efficiency (26/34 MPG vs. the CX-70's 24/28 MPG), the Mazda counters with massive utility, featuring nearly double the cargo space at 39.6 cu ft compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. The GLA starts slightly higher at $43,000, yet the larger, more powerful CX-70 undercuts it at $42,250. This comparison pits efficiency and compact luxury against raw power and spacious practicality in the modern crossover arena.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the better family choice thanks to its significantly larger 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Mazda CX-70
Enthusiasts will favor the CX-70 due to its substantial power advantage, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 provides substantially more horsepower and cargo volume for a lower starting MSRP of $42,250.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 34 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the smaller footprint, with a length of only 173.6 inches for easier city navigation.
- You desire the established luxury badge and the smooth operation of the 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, utilizing the substantial 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You require more available power, enjoying the 280 hp output and All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer to use less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Mazda CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 72.2" | - |
| Height | 63.5" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 12.3 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 | — |
| Speaker System | — | 8 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 59.2 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 |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| 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 | — | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 21 x 9.5 in. |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 275/45R21 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Mazda CX-70.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The CX-70 holds a distinct power advantage, generating 280 hp compared to the GLA-Class's 221 hp. This 59 hp difference means the Mazda offers significantly stronger acceleration and pulling power.
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class more economical for daily driving?
Yes, the GLA-Class is the more economical choice, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating versus the CX-70's 25 MPG combined rating. However, remember the Mercedes requires premium unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle is better suited for hauling luggage and gear?
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is vastly superior for hauling, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is quite restricted with only 15.4 cu ft of space.
What is the primary powertrain difference between these two crossovers?
The GLA utilizes a front-wheel drive setup paired with an 8-speed automated manual, whereas the CX-70 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How do the starting prices compare for these two models?
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 has a slight edge in base pricing, starting at an MSRP of $42,250. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class begins at $43,000.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the GLA-Class's 173.6 inches. It is also significantly taller at 68.2 inches versus 63.5 inches.
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