2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$38,800 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a commanding presence, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard setup, ready to tackle any road with its robust AWD system. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers a taste of accessible luxury, trading raw power for superior efficiency, achieving a commendable 27 MPG combined on premium fuel. The primary friction point is value: the CX-90 undercuts the GLC by a significant $10,750 MSRP, starting at just $38,800 while delivering 25 more horsepower. However, the GLC compensates slightly with greater utility, offering 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda’s 14.9 cu ft. While the CX-90 is the longer vehicle at 200.8 inches, the smaller footprint and refined RWD dynamics of the Mercedes will appeal to different drivers seeking a distinct driving theater.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 27 MPG combined, which will reduce weekly running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The GLC is the clear choice for families needing space, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 21.9 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the choice for performance enthusiasts, providing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, easily outgunning the GLC's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers far better bang for the buck, starting at $38,800 while providing a powerful AWD platform versus the GLC's $49,550 starting price.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize outright power, benefiting from the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque available from the standard engine.
You need the security and grip of an All-Wheel Drive system as standard equipment.
Budget is a primary concern, as the $38,800 MSRP saves you $10,750 compared to the Mercedes-Benz entry point.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

You frequently commute long distances and value efficiency, thanks to its 27 MPG combined rating.
You need maximum storage space, as the GLC offers 21.9 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
You prefer the traditionally balanced driving dynamics provided by a standard Rear Wheel Drive architecture.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	200.8"	185.7"
Width	78.5"	74.4"
Height	68.3"	64.6"
Wheelbase	122.8"	113.1"

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear 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	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-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	—	10-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.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.6 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 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 GLC.

Which crossover has the better powertrain performance figures?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 takes the horsepower crown, producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. This output surpasses the Mercedes-Benz GLC's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making the Mazda quicker in acceleration.

Is the fuel required for each vehicle significantly different?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline, contributing to lower running costs. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLC strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its advertised efficiency.

How much larger is the cargo area in the Mercedes GLC?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers considerably more practical space for families, boasting 21.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially more than the 14.9 cubic feet offered behind the seats in the 200.8-inch long Mazda CX-90.

What is the primary price difference between the two models?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at an aggressive $38,800 MSRP, creating a substantial value gap of $10,750 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, which starts at $49,550.

Does the drivetrain setup impact driving dynamics differently?

The CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, ideal for all-weather traction. The GLC utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive setup paired with a 9-speed automatic, typically favoring a more traditional, balanced feel under spirited driving.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The Mazda CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 78.5 inches in width. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the more compact option, measuring 185.7 inches long and 74.4 inches wide.