Compare the2023 Mercedes GLAVS 2023 Lexus UX

The GLA’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The UX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The GLA offers an optional Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The UX only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the GLA and the UX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and lane departure warning systems.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GLA’s warranty.

The GLA 250’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 40 more horsepower (221 vs. 181) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mercedes GLA is faster than the Lexus UX:

Both the GLA and UX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The GLA has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The GLA has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX (13.5 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the GLA’s brake rotors are larger than those on the UX:

The GLA stops shorter than the UX:

For better traction, the GLA has larger tires than the UX (235/55R18 vs. 225/50R18).

The GLA’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the UX’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLA offers optional 20-inch wheels. The UX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The GLA offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The UX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLA’s wheelbase is 3.5 inches longer than on the UX (107.4 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLA is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the UX.

The GLA is 3.4 inches shorter than the UX, making the GLA easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes GLA amounts to more than styling. The GLA has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .3 Cd. That is lower than the UX (.33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLA get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the GLA uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The UX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GLA has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 3.5 inches more front hip room, .8 inches more front shoulder room, 1.8 inches more rear headroom, 4.9 inches more rear legroom, 5 inches more rear hip room and 1.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the UX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLA’s rear seats recline. The UX’s rear seats don’t recline.

The GLA has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the UX (19 vs. 17.1 cubic feet).

The GLA uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The UX uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the UX F Sport Handling, the GLA has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLA’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the UX.

The power windows standard on both the GLA and the UX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLA is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The UX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The GLA’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The UX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The GLA offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the UX.

The GLA offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The UX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLA’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The UX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the GLA owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the GLA will cost $150 less than the UX over a five-year period.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GLA first among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The UX isn’t in the top three.

The Mercedes GLA outsold the Lexus UX by 32 units during the 2022 model year.