Compare the2026 Mercedes GLBVS 2026 Mazda CX-90

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-90 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

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-90 Premium Plus/Turbo S offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the GLB and the CX-90 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-90’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.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLB is faster than the Mazda CX-90:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the CX-90 running its gasoline engine:

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-90 (5 to 6). This means the GLB produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-90 every 15,000 miles.

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-90 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

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-90 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

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-90’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-90 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .83 G’s, while the CX-90 Premium Plus pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1200 to 1350 pounds less than the Mazda CX-90.

The GLB is 1 foot, 6.4 inches shorter than the CX-90, making the GLB easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLB is 5.4 inches narrower than the CX-90, making the GLB easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLB easier. The GLB’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the CX-90’s liftover is 31 inches.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GLB. The CX-90 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the CX-90 Preferred/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.

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-90 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GLB’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-90’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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-90 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

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-90 Premium/Turbo S.

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-90 Premium.

The GLB’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-90 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The GLB is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.