Mazda CX-8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$29,999 - $76,868

2021 price

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Summary

2023 Mazda CX-8

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.0L/100km (combined)

7.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Practical family features
Luxe factors throughout
Easy-as-pie to drive

Lovely design inside and out
Terrifically planted and safe
Evocative, flexible performance

Dislikes

Misses out on a 360-degree view camera system
Expensive compared to similarly specified rivals
Low number of airbags for family SUV

Full suite of safety costs extra
Some quality lapses inside
Ride still unsettled even on optional adaptive dampers

2023 Mazda CX-8 Summary

Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stable; blink and you'll miss the (very) subtle differences between the CX-8 and the CX-9 but if you're not super keen on the bulk of the CX-9 and you've outgrown the space of the CX-5... this one's for you.

Especially, if you've been considering its competition - the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD. Both of which have become known for their features and space.

So, how does it compare? The CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive seats seven, has a decent boot space (albeit, when the third row isn't in use) and handles like a dream.

Perfect combination? Maybe. I've been driving it for the last week with my family to find out for you.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Summary

ONE of the great motoring successes of the past decade has been the Mercedes-Benz GLA, catapulting the brand to unparalleled prominence in the premium small SUV field and kicking off the posh little coupe-hatch crossover craze.

Cynics might say that it is essentially a jumped-up A-Class hatchback, much like the Subaru XV is basically an Impreza in stilettos. But while the small German crossover is built on the same MFA2 platform as its smaller transverse-engined Benz brethren, no body panels are shared, granting it a distinct look and personality. Unlike the little Suby…

The H247-series GLA launched in Australia in 2020 is second-generation, featuring a longer wheelbase and appreciably more space, but a shorter overall length than the popular original from 2013. It's also substantially taller.

Here we take a long, hard look at the bestselling GLA 250 4Matic.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda CX-8 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive? I love how it performs on the road - it's super easy to drive and you don't notice how large it is in a car park.

There are some great family-friendly features scattered throughout and I like how practical this is too with the extra seats and top-tether points. The multimedia system isn’t my favourite and I would have preferred to have seen a few extra airbags and a 360-degree view camera, but overall, it’s a good family car and gets an 8.0/10 from me.

My son loved the sun blinds and the cool colour of the seats. He also gives it an 8.0/10.

Verdict

With Mercedes-Benz’s vast number of SUVs, there is room for an urban luxury crossover niche, and the GLA delivers in spades.

Indeed, in 250 4Matic guise, it is that rare thing – a high-riding hatch with dynamics to shame most dedicated pocket-rockets. It really is a hoot if you find the right road, regardless of weather conditions. The Benz has towering talent.

However, even without desirable options like adaptive dampers and a full suite of driver-assist safety technology, the GLA is expensive, does not quite carry off the price tag from an interior quality point of view, and struggles to maintain the degree of comfort and refinement expected from a Mercedes – with or without the $3K necessary to score adaptive dampers.

Still, especially because of the way the GLA looks, goes, stops and steers, if you can afford it, you’ll be rewarded. There’s never been a more rounded GLA.

Mazda CX-8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
What's the difference?