Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Lexus NX

The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $59,900. 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 $64,790 and $65,890 respectively.

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

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

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 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 8 in the Lexus NX.

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

The Lexus NX counters with wireless charging and power tailgate that the Mercedes-Benz GLA does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Lexus NX responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 243Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 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 Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 249mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 520L in the Lexus NX, 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 $2,081/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $1,739/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $1,739 (Lexus NX). 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). The Mercedes-Benz GLA has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).