2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV, with trim levels ranging from Select to Premium Plus. Prices spanned from $39,575 to $59,480, including the destination charge. Our test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic design contributed to a sophisticated look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and upscale switchgear, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues included a confusing electronic shifter and non-intuitive climate controls, but overall, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, styling packages, and exclusive interior upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $96,400. The GLS's exterior, enhanced by AMG and Night styling details, appeared sporty and resolved design quirks. Inside, the GLS offered high-quality materials and detailing, though body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. Standard features included artificial leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The GLS's control layout, with seat adjusters on the doors and a gear-selector stalk, required acclimation, but the dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated and user-friendly.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain lacked refinement, despite its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The EPA rated it at 25 mpg combined, but our test observed 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement issues, such as unpredictable power delivery and unwanted engine surge, detracted from the experience. Vibrations in the second-row seats and a fussy electronic shifter further marred the upscale impression.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, though our test observed 19.4 mpg. Driving modes included Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS's powertrain exhibited occasional delays and lurching in Comfort mode, but Sport mode mitigated these issues. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior struggled with climate control, taking too long to cool down. In 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, it featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating, but limited seat-track travel posed challenges for child safety seats. The third row was best suited for children. Storage was limited, with a shallow center console bin and small door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down, which was small for the segment.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger option featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats and a heated steering wheel. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated second-row captain’s chairs with generous legroom. The third-row seat offered good thigh support but limited legroom. Storage was lacking, with a small center armrest bin and shallow door pockets. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 42.7-48.7 cubic feet with the third row down, and 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with a traditional gauge cluster and display. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a center console knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured 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 one-year subscription to Digital Extras. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end Burmester 3D audio system. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” though it occasionally struggled with specific commands.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The PHEV variant earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star frontal-impact ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature was irritating, and the audible warning systems were excessive.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It featured a Car-to-X Communication system for future road hazard warnings. Parking was aided by sensors and a surround-view camera system. The GLS lacked hands-free highway driver-assistance technology, requiring active driver participation. The system struggled on curvy roads, but was easy to override. The GLS braked harder than necessary in some situations, but overall, it behaved like a refined partner on longer drives.