Compare the2026 Mercedes GLBVS 2026 Mazda CX-50

The GLB’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-50 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the GLB’s standard Downhill Speed Regulation allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Downhill Speed Regulation.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GLB has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Active Brake Assist, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the GLB and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The GLB comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-50’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 15 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Mazda.

The GLB’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 34 more horsepower (221 vs. 187) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 185) than the CX-50’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The GLB’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 2 more horsepower (221 vs. 219) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 163) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLB is faster than the Mazda CX-50:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the CX-50:

The GLB has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLB higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-50 (4 to 6). This means the GLB produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-50 every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Mercedes GLB, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-50.

The GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

For better stopping power the GLB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-50:

For better traction, the GLB has larger tires than the CX-50 (235/55R18 vs. 225/65R17).

The GLB’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLB has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLB can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The CX-50 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Mercedes GLB has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The GLB has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the GLB flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The GLB 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 CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GLB’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-50 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .83 G’s, while the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLB 250 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the CX-50 (27.4 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLB has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred (7.9 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the GLB to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The GLB is 3.4 inches shorter than the CX-50, making the GLB easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the CX-50 can only carry 5.

The GLB has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more rear headroom and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLB’s middle row seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

The GLB’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-50.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GLB. The CX-50 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the GLB’s available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo/Hybrid Premium, the GLB has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, suspension setting, power steering assist, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLB’s standard easy entry and exit feature glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the GLB the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-50 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLB to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-50 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The GLB’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Meridian/Premium/Turbo.

The Mercedes GLB has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-50 Premium Plus Hybrid/Turbo.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mercedes GLB’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The GLB has a 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 CX-50 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLB’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The GLB is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.