Mazda CX-80 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-80 starts from $64,490 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 $5,590.
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 $70,939 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-80 and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mazda CX-80 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 6 in the Mazda CX-80 and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-80 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-80 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-80 uses a Petrol producing 209kW and 450Nm 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 Mazda CX-80 has the clear power advantage at 209kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-80 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-80 measures 4,990mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 579mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the Mazda CX-80 and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Mazda CX-80 a 115L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-80 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Mazda CX-80 and $2,081/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-80.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda CX-80) vs $2,081 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mazda CX-80 saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-80 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-80 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-80 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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