2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$38,800 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the roomy 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the premium 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA presents a classic trade-off: space and power versus efficiency and brand cachet. If sheer capability matters, the CX-90 boasts 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the GLA's 221 hp. However, this power comes at a cost to running expenses; the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined on the Mercedes' required premium fuel, while the CX-90 manages 25 MPG combined using regular unleaded. The size difference is stark: the CX-90 is 200.8 inches long, offering substantial presence, compared to the GLA's shorter 173.6-inch length. While the GLA offers slightly more cargo room at 15.4 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, the Mazda's substantially larger exterior suggests better passenger space, despite a lower starting MSRP of $38,800 against the GLA's $41,500.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear choice for daily commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the better family vehicle due to its significantly larger overall dimensions, indicated by its 200.8-inch length.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90 for its substantial performance advantage, delivering 280 horsepower versus the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers significantly more horsepower and standard AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize horsepower, as the CX-90 delivers a robust 280 hp.
You want to stick to regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
You need the size and presence of a larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Maximum fuel efficiency is key, given the GLA's 29 MPG combined rating.
You appreciate luxury branding and want to start under the $42,000 mark.
You prefer a smaller footprint for easier urban parking, as the GLA is only 173.6 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	200.8"	173.6"
Width	78.5"	72.2"
Height	68.3"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Preparation System	✓	✓
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 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)	23/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
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: 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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

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	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Which crossover is genuinely faster in a straight line?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is considerably quicker, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Is the difference in fuel economy worth the power loss in the Mercedes GLA?

The GLA is rated at 29 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined. This 4 MPG advantage in the Mercedes saves money long-term, offsetting the power trade-off for many drivers.

Does the difference in MSRP accurately reflect the better value?

The Mazda starts at $38,800, offering standard All-Wheel Drive and significantly more power than the $41,500 GLA, which comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

How much more space does the larger CX-90 really offer?

While cargo capacity is nearly identical (14.9 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft), the CX-90 is over 27 inches longer externally (200.8 inches vs 173.6 inches), strongly suggesting superior second and third-row passenger room.

Do I have to buy premium fuel for the Mazda CX-90?

No, a major benefit of the CX-90 is that it runs perfectly fine on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded.

Are the transmissions comparable?

Not entirely; the CX-90 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, favored for consistent feel, while the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which operates differently during shifts.