2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more luxurious and spacious experience. The GLS 450, part of the lineup that included the GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, came with the new Manufaktur Edition Package for 2026. This package added 21-inch AMG wheels, exclusive paint colors, and premium leather upholstery. The GLS's interior was similar to the smaller GLE-Class but boasted high-quality materials and detailing. Despite some body creaks on chilly mornings, the GLS provided a comfortable and refined ride. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the interior offered a range of comfort features, including massaging seats and ambient lighting.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for serious off-road use, the AWD system provided adequate traction. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered a smart balance between the 187hp base engine and the 256hp Turbo models. Acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The sportier suspension tuning of the CX-50 resulted in engaging handling, though it came at the cost of a firmer ride quality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, the GLS 450 accelerated from 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with the Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. While the powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, the GLS provided a tailored driving experience with a quiet cabin and composed ride.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to competitors. While the front seats provided ample room, the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo space was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and significantly below the class average. Despite these limitations, the CX-50's space was usable for day-to-day needs, aided by a standard power liftgate and convenient storage features.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in passenger comfort, offering standard seven-passenger seating with an optional six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS provided generous legroom and a range of comfort features, including massaging seats and a four-zone climate control system. However, storage locations were limited, with a small center armrest bin and shallow door pockets. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down. While these measurements fell short of some full-size luxury SUVs, the GLS's cargo space was practical for most needs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system controlled by a center console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While this setup might seem outdated, it offered a distraction-free experience for some users. All models came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The base audio system included eight speakers, while a 12-speaker Bose premium system was standard on the Premium trim.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant activated by voice commands. While the assistant occasionally struggled with specific requests, it generally performed well.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These systems functioned smoothly, with the adaptive cruise control providing smooth acceleration and stops.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While rear-seat side-impact airbags were optional, the GLS offered a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The system required active driver participation, and while it struggled on curvy roads, it performed well in most situations. The GLS's braking system occasionally applied excessive force, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.