2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$38,800 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is the $5,000 MSRP difference, with the Mazda starting at $38,800 compared to the Mercedes at $43,800. Performance figures also diverge substantially, as the CX-90 generates 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, easily surpassing the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the GLB achieves superior fuel economy, offering a 28 MPG combined rating versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined, although the Mazda uses regular unleaded while the Mercedes requires premium fuel. Dimensions show the CX-90 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches against the GLB's 182.4 inches. Conversely, the smaller GLB provides more usable space with 22 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the better commuter choice due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The GLB offers significantly more utilitarian space with 22 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear performance winner, producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the GLB’s output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides 59 more horsepower for a $5,000 lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize maximizing engine output, as the CX-90 delivers 280 hp.
You seek better long-term fuel savings by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
You require a longer vehicle footprint, measuring 200.8 inches in length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Your primary concern is efficient city driving, leveraging the GLB's 25 MPG city rating.
You need maximum storage volume, as the GLB offers 22 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the handling characteristics associated with a front-wheel-drive bias.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	200.8"	182.4"
Width	78.5"	72.2"
Height	68.3"	66.7"
Wheelbase	122.8"	111.4"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	15.9 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.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.1 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.9 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 GLB.

Which crossover has better outright power delivery?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is significantly more powerful, outputting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, providing a 59 hp advantage over the GLB's 221 hp.

Is the lower MSRP of the Mazda worth sacrificing cargo space?

The Mazda CX-90 saves $5,000 initially ($38,800 vs $43,800) but offers substantially less cargo volume at 14.9 cu ft compared to the GLB’s 22 cu ft.

How does the fuel requirement impact running costs?

While the GLB has better fuel economy (28 MPG combined), it mandates premium unleaded fuel, whereas the CX-90 uses regular unleaded, which might offset its lower MPG rating depending on local fuel prices.

Are the driving dynamics comparable given the differing transmissions?

The CX-90 utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the GLB uses an 8-speed automated manual, suggesting the Mazda may offer a smoother, more conventional shift feel.

Which vehicle is easier to maneuver in tight urban settings?

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is significantly smaller, measuring 182.4 inches in length and 72.2 inches in width, making it easier to park and navigate than the larger CX-90.