2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$43,000 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the nimble 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the substantial 2026 Mazda CX-90 presents a classic dilemma: luxury compactness versus practical size. The GLA starts at a higher $43,000 MSRP compared to the CX-90's $38,800, which is a $4,200 entry hurdle. Performance wise, the Mazda boasts significantly more muscle with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Mercedes' 221 hp. However, the GLA claws back points with efficiency, delivering 29 combined MPG while running on premium fuel, contrasted with the CX-90's 25 combined MPG on regular unleaded. Interestingly, despite being significantly larger at 200.8 inches long, the CX-90 offers slightly less cargo space (14.9 cu ft) than the shorter GLA (173.6 inches) with 15.4 cu ft. Your daily driving needs will heavily influence which of these two very different crossovers wins out.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class is the clear choice for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG efficiency and smaller footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The substantially larger 2026 Mazda CX-90, with its greater overall dimensions, generally implies better capacity for family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 59 more horsepower (280 hp) and 74 more lb-ft of torque (332 lb-ft).

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers superior power and standard AWD for $4,200 less than the base GLA-Class.

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

You prioritize fuel economy, benefiting from the GLA's 29 combined MPG.
You prefer the prestige and compact sizing of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
You require a tighter turning radius typical of a vehicle only 173.6 inches long.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need the robust performance provided by 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer using less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
You want the security of standard All-Wheel Drive capability for slippery conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Mazda CX-90
Length	173.6"	200.8"
Width	72.2"	78.5"
Height	63.5"	68.3"
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	10.3 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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

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	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	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.
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

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.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	265/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
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	✓	—
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-90.

Does the Mercedes GLA or the Mazda CX-90 have better fuel efficiency for city driving?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is slightly better equipped for pure city efficiency, rated at 26 MPG city versus the CX-90's 23 MPG city. Although the GLA requires premium fuel, its better mileage might offset some of that fuel cost difference for frequent urban drivers.

Which vehicle is genuinely roomier, considering their different lengths?

Despite the 2026 Mazda CX-90 being over 27 inches longer than the GLA-Class (200.8 vs 173.6 inches), their cargo capacities are surprisingly similar, with the GLA offering slightly more space at 15.4 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

Is the extra power in the CX-90 noticeable in everyday driving?

Yes, the 59 hp difference means the CX-90 has considerably stronger acceleration potential, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. This extra grunt, combined with standard AWD, will likely feel much stronger when merging onto highways compared to the 221 hp GLA.

What is the actual yearly fuel cost difference between using premium vs. regular gas?

While the GLA offers 4 MPG better combined efficiency (29 vs 25), you must factor in the premium fuel requirement. This means the lower upfront fuel cost of the CX-90 using regular unleaded might balance out the efficiency gains of the Mercedes over a year of driving.

How do the transmissions differ between these two crossovers?

The Mercedes GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which aims for quick shifts. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, typically offering a smoother, more conventional shifting experience for a vehicle of its size.

Is the lower MSRP of the CX-90 worth accepting lower horsepower and efficiency?

For buyers prioritizing initial savings, the $4,200 price gap favoring the CX-90 is substantial. If maximizing budget flexibility is key, the Mazda offers better brute force specs (power and AWD) for less money than the entry-level luxury offering of the GLA.