Mazda CX-6e 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-6e starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Mazda CX-6e the more affordable entry point by $4,910.
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 $59,389 and $64,790 respectively.
The Mazda CX-6e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLA, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-6e features a 26.5-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-6e stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L 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-6e uses a Electric producing 190kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
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-6e has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-6e measures 4,850mm long on a 2,902mm wheelbase, 439mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 363L in the Mazda CX-6e and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 72L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-6e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-6e if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-6e takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-6e and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mazda CX-6e is the cheapest at $53,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $4,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLA all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the largest boot at 435L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-6e has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-6e makes the most power at 190kW.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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