2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$44,175 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference between the 2026 Lexus NX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the 11 MPG advantage held by the Lexus, achieving 40 combined MPG compared to the GLA's 29 combined MPG. The NX, priced at $44,175, offers a 240 hp output, significantly more than the GLA's 221 hp, despite the GLA having a lower MSRP of $41,500. Size differentiation is also substantial, with the NX measuring 183.5 inches in length versus the GLA's 173.6 inches. Furthermore, the Lexus provides 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially exceeding the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet. While the GLA outputs 258 lb-ft of torque, the NX prioritizes efficiency and interior volume for its slightly higher cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX's superior 40 combined MPG rating offers lower running costs over high-mileage commutes compared to the GLA's 29 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

With 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 15.4 cu ft, the Lexus NX offers substantially more practical storage for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins on raw power output, delivering 240 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA undercuts the Lexus by $3,075 (MSRP of $41,500 vs $44,175) while still providing competitive power figures.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel economy is a primary concern, indicated by its 40 combined MPG rating.
Maximum interior utility is required, evidenced by 22.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer a vehicle with 240 hp, which exceeds the GLA's 221 hp output.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Initial purchase price is critical, as its MSRP of $41,500 is lower than the NX's $44,175.
You prioritize torque figures, as the GLA delivers 258 lb-ft.
A smaller footprint is desired, given the GLA's 173.6-inch length versus the NX's 183.5 inches.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	240 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	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
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which crossover will cost less to fuel annually, the Lexus NX or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Based on official ratings, the Lexus NX will be significantly cheaper to fuel due to its 40 combined MPG. This is an 11 MPG advantage over the GLA’s 29 combined MPG, resulting in lower cumulative fuel expenditure.

How much larger is the cargo area in the Lexus NX compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The Lexus NX offers substantially more utility with 22.7 cubic feet of dedicated cargo capacity. This is 7.3 cubic feet more than the 15.4 cubic feet available in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Does the lower MSRP of the GLA mean it has less horsepower than the NX?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a lower MSRP of $41,500 compared to the NX's $44,175, and it produces less power at 221 hp, whereas the Lexus delivers 240 hp.

Are there major transmission differences between these two FWD crossovers?

Yes, the Lexus NX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA is equipped with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

What is the primary mechanical benefit of the Mercedes-Benz GLA despite its lower MPG?

The GLA compensates somewhat with higher torque output for a lower price, registering 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX figures (not explicitly listed but implied lower by its efficiency focus).

Are both models significantly different in physical size?

Yes, the Lexus NX is notably larger, measuring 183.5 inches in length and 66.1 inches in height, while the GLA is more compact at 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches high.