Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Mazda CX-90
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 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $15,485.
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 $81,824 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 91% for the Mazda CX-90.
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 6 in the Mazda CX-90.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-90 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 709mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 178L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $1,710/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $627 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 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and Mazda CX-90 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. 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, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Mazda CX-90?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $15,485.
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 and Mazda CX-90 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-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Mazda CX-90 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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