Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Lexus NX starts from $71,700 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $12,800.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $78,870 and $64,790 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 120kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 249mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Lexus NX a 85L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,425/year for the Lexus NX and $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mercedes-Benz GLA has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.