2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$42,250 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary quantifiable distinction between the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is fuel economy, where the GLA achieves a 4 MPG advantage, netting 29 combined MPG versus the CX-70's 25 combined MPG. Conversely, the CX-70 demonstrates superior performance metrics, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the Mazda is considerably larger, boasting a 200.8-inch length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, resulting in a cavernous 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity against the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. Although the GLA undercuts the Mazda on MSRP by $750 ($41,500 vs $42,250), the CX-70 utilizes regular unleaded fuel while the GLA requires costlier premium gasoline, which impacts long-term operational expenditure despite the GLA's better base MPG figures.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is superior for commuting due to its 29 combined MPG efficiency rating and smaller footprint for urban navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the definitive choice for families, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the 15.4 cu ft in the GLA.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 offers a clear performance advantage with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA provides a lower entry price point at $41,500 and achieves 4 MPG better efficiency, though it mandates premium fuel.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You require substantial hauling capacity, utilizing the 39.6 cu ft of maximum cargo volume.
Maximum outright power is necessary, leveraging the 280 hp engine.
You prefer standard all-wheel drive and the ability to use less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Your priority is fuel efficiency, demonstrated by the 29 combined MPG rating.
You seek the lowest initial purchase price at $41,500.
Maneuverability in tight urban spaces is key, given the CX-70's 200.8-inch length versus the GLA's 173.6 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	200.8"	173.6"
Width	-	72.2"
Height	68.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	122.8"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 x 9.5 in.	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	275/45R21	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Which vehicle is significantly larger between the CX-70 and the GLA?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 173.6 inches. This dimension directly translates to cargo space, where the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

Is the higher horsepower in the Mazda worth the lower MPG rating?

The Mazda CX-70 has 59 more horsepower (280 hp vs 221 hp) and 74 more lb-ft of torque (332 vs 258). If performance is a priority, the trade-off for 4 fewer combined MPG (25 vs 29) may be acceptable to performance buyers.

How does the required fuel type affect the long-term cost of ownership?

Although the GLA is slightly more fuel efficient at 29 combined MPG, it requires premium unleaded fuel. The Mazda CX-70 uses regular unleaded, which typically mitigates the fuel cost difference arising from the 4 MPG deficit.

Which vehicle provides better initial cost savings?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $41,500, undercutting the 2026 Mazda CX-70's $42,250 by $750.

Do both vehicles come standard with AWD?

No, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is listed with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with front-wheel drive, requiring an upgrade for AWD capability.

What is the transmission difference between the two crossovers?

The CX-70 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the GLA features an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which operates differently in terms of shift logic and feel.