2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was a modern take on the subcompact SUV, fitting snugly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV offering. Its proportions and styling were designed to reflect its position below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions placed it on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was three inches taller and half an inch shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that added to its muscular look. Despite its small windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. The interior, however, was a mix of less-than-premium surfaces, with the seats being the nicest appointed pieces. While it looked appealing from a distance, the GLA's interior didn't quite measure up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims, offered a few updates for the model year, including a standard panoramic glass roof on the 550h+ and a new Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models featured 20-inch wheels, while the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The TX retained a large grille with sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function. However, the overall material quality wasn't up to luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and the interior lacked the attention to detail found in competitors like the Volvo XC90 or Mercedes-Benz GLE plug-in hybrids.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants: the GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC, and AMG GLA 35, with the AMG GLA 45 on the way. The GLA 250 and 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine allowed the GLA to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 featured an AMG-enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, achieving 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 upped the power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The GLA's AWD system offered various torque distribution ratios depending on the drive mode, and the AMG models included additional drive dynamics modes and performance features. However, the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise, and its steering was numb, typical for its class.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The 550h+ delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's performance was more about comfort and versatility than sporty handling, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a more SUV-like seating position with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed fantastic headroom and legroom, while the rear seats provided more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The GLA featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo space was average for its class, with 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low, nearly flat load floor and available power liftgate made loading and unloading cargo convenient.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ came with standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable center console, while the third row was spacious enough for full-sized adults. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The power-folding third row and available kick sensor in the liftgate added convenience. However, the second-row seats were challenging to fold flat, and the front seats lacked thigh support.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 7.0-inch display screens, touchpad controller, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, and more. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with intuitive scrolling and selection functionality, but lacked a quick way to scroll through radio stations. The GLA also introduced a car-wash function, folding mirrors and closing windows with a single command.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen that was easy to use but lacked some features, like manual satellite radio input. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported, but some features required a subscription.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came with standard safety features like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies, but the GLA's standard safety features were lacking compared to less expensive SUVs. The Parking Assistance Package offered additional parking aids.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star NHTSA ratings, while the IIHS gave the TX mixed scores in crash tests.