2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$45,100 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2026 Acura RDX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the 6 MPG combined fuel economy advantage held by the GLA (29 MPG vs. 23 MPG). Power output also presents a substantial gulf, with the RDX delivering 272 horsepower, 51 hp more than the GLA's 221 hp, alongside 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 258 lb-ft. Financially, the RDX commands a $3,600 premium, starting at $45,100 versus the GLA’s $41,500 MSRP. Dimensional differences favor the RDX for utility, offering 187.4 inches in length and 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, while the GLA measures 173.6 inches long with 15.4 cu ft of storage. Drive configuration also separates them: RDX utilizes standard all-wheel drive paired with a 10-speed automatic, whereas the GLA employs front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automated manual.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA offers superior combined fuel economy at 29 MPG, which lowers operational costs for high-mileage commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX provides 14.1 cu ft more cargo capacity (29.5 cu ft vs. 15.4 cu ft) and features standard all-wheel drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX delivers a 51 hp performance advantage over the GLA.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA achieves 29 MPG combined and costs $3,600 less than the RDX while still providing premium brand cachet.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum engine output (272 hp) is a non-negotiable requirement.
Substantial cargo volume (29.5 cu ft) for regular hauling is necessary.
Standard all-wheel drive performance is prioritized over fuel economy.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Minimizing fuel consumption is critical, evidenced by 29 MPG combined efficiency.
A lower entry price point, $41,500 MSRP, is necessary for budget adherence.
Buyers require a more compact exterior footprint (173.6 inches in length).

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	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	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	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	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does the required premium fuel usage on the GLA compare to the recommended premium fuel on the RDX?

Both vehicles require or recommend premium unleaded gasoline, but the GLA's significantly better fuel economy (29 MPG combined) should partially offset the higher fuel cost per gallon over time.

Which vehicle is physically larger, affecting garage fitment?

The 2026 Acura RDX is the physically larger vehicle across all dimensions, measuring 187.4 inches long and 65.7 inches high compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches length and 63.5 inches height.

What is the resulting difference in usable interior space for cargo?

The RDX provides 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is 14.1 cubic feet more accessible storage space than the 15.4 cu ft offered by the GLA.

How does the transmission technology differ between these crossovers?

The RDX utilizes a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for robust performance, whereas the GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Is the GLA's lower power output severely compromised given its FWD setup?

The GLA produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels, offering adequate power for commuting despite being down 51 hp compared to the AWD Acura RDX.