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Mazda CX-5 vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or Mercedes GLA?

Mazda CX-5 vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

CX-5

Comparing Two Titans: Mazda CX-5 vs. Mercedes GLA

In the ever-evolving automotive market, the battle between compact SUVs has gained an immense following. This comparison delves into the technical aspects and innovations of two crowd favorites: the Mazda CX-5 and the Mercedes GLA. Both vehicles promise an exhilarating driving experience, but do they deliver on their promises? Let's explore.

GLA

Design and Aesthetics

The Mazda CX-5 boasts a sleek, athletic design with smooth lines and a bold front grille that exude confidence. Measuring 4575 mm in length, 1845 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height, the CX-5 offers a robust stance that's both stylish and functional.

On the other hand, the Mercedes GLA is slightly more compact with lengths ranging from 4412 mm to 4443 mm. Its design embodies the quintessential Mercedes-Benz elegance, presenting a modern aesthetic with sculpted sides and a distinguished front that showcases the brand’s upscale lineage.

CX-5

Power and Performance

When it comes to performance, the Mazda CX-5 offers a range of engine options, including petrol and diesel MHEV variants ranging from 150 hp to 194 hp. With a choice of manual or automatic transmission, the CX-5 delivers acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 9.2 seconds, making it a captivating drive. Fuel consumption varies from 5.6 to 7.6 L/100km, appealing to efficiency-minded drivers.

In contrast, the Mercedes GLA leads the way in power with options peaking at a sizzling 421 hp in its high-performance variants. The GLA's acceleration capabilities are impressive, reaching 0-100 km/h in a breathtaking 4.3 seconds. However, fuel efficiency varies as well, with performance-oriented models consuming up to 9.5 L/100km, showing that raw power can often come with a price.

GLA

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the Mazda CX-5, and you are greeted with a modern interior that emphasizes comfort and usability. It presents ample space for five passengers and provides a trunk capacity of up to 522 liters, perfect for family trips or cargo haul. Mazda has incorporated user-friendly technology with a focus on driver engagement and a central infotainment system that aligns seamlessly with the interior aesthetics.

Conversely, the Mercedes GLA emphasizes luxury, featuring high-quality materials and advanced technology that are hallmarks of the brand. It also comfortably seats five, but with a trunk space ranging from 425 to 435 liters, it is slightly less spacious than its rival. With the introduction of an advanced infotainment system complete with a dual-screen layout and an intuitive interface, the GLA stands at the forefront of technological innovation.

CX-5

Innovations and Safety Features

The CX-5 stands out with its innovative safety technologies, including Smart City Brake Support and Advanced Smart City Brake Support, which enhance overall driving safety. Mazda’s commitment to incorporating driver-assist features ensures peace of mind during every journey.

In comparison, the Mercedes GLA includes cutting-edge safety and driver assistance systems such as Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and a plethora of other smart technologies adaptive to the driver’s needs. The brand's dedication to innovation is clear in its superior approach to safety and automated features, establishing the GLA as a leader in this category.

GLA

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Mercedes GLA boils down to individual preferences and priorities. The CX-5 exudes a sense of practicality paired with efficient performance, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious families. On the other hand, the Mercedes GLA, with its muscle under the hood, luxurious interiors, and advanced tech features, caters to those yearning for a premium driving experience.

Whether you opt for the Mazda or the Mercedes, both vehicles offer compelling reasons to own them, ensuring that your SUV experience will be nothing short of remarkable. Happy driving!

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

CX-5

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mazda CX-5 is markedly cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,845 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 4.1 L/100km.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 280 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 6.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 262 Nm more.

CX-5

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is marginally lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 59 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers only slightly more boot space – 466 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 31 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries slightly more – 601 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 101 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 74 km
Mazda CX-5
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 blends elegant, athletic styling with a surprisingly engaging driving character, turning routine trips into small, satisfying adventures. Inside it feels thoughtfully built and comfortable, offering sensible practicality and a premium feel that punches above its price.

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Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

details
Mazda CX-5
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 169 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
566 - 601 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.