Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 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 $1,000.

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 $65,890 and $64,790 respectively.

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

Both the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The Lexus NX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, 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 152kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus NX is 0.1s 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 Lexus NX leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Lexus NX and $2,081/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Lexus NX) vs $2,081 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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)—.