Mercedes-Benz GLA

Name: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

The GLA is one of the two entry-level SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. While it shares its platform with the GLB, the smaller GLA is sportier-looking than its boxy sibling and, significantly, it is a major improvement over the flawed first-generation GLA, which had a cramped interior and a stiff ride.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mercedes-Benz GLA

vs. Similar Cars

Acura ADX

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Audi Q3

BMW X1

BMW X2

See All Models Predicted Reliability

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Distracting controls

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Distracting controls

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Distracting controls

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Distracting controls

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Distracting controls

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Distracting controls

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Luxury entry-level SUVs Ratings

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$41,500 - $58,550

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Acura ADX

$35,000 - $44,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

$36,995 - $41,495

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Audi Q3

$43,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 BMW X1

$42,800 - $51,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 BMW X2

$44,300 - $53,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Cadillac XT4

$40,795 - $44,095

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Lexus UX

$36,955 - $46,945

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mini Cooper Countryman

$34,900 - $46,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Volvo XC40

$39,900 - $51,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury entry-level SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbo (221 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (302 hp)

8-speed sequential

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 4 years/50,000 miles
Roadside Aid 4 years/50,000 miles
Maintenance NA

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The GLA is redesigned for 2021 and is the fourth model on Mercedes front-drive architecture that includes the A-Class and CLA sedans, and the GLB SUV. It is markedly better than the cramped, stiff-riding original. Power comes from the same 221-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the GLB, mated to an eight-speed dual clutch automatic. It’s a quick car despite some initial hesitation from a rolling stop. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy is commendable. The solid, substantial GLA feels taut and agile on the road, but the ride skews firm. The seats are comfortable and supportive and fit and finish is impressive. We found the elaborate infotainment system too distracting. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning are standard. Adaptive cruise control and lane change assistance are optional.

2015-2020

2015 Redesign Year

Essentially a raised wagon version of the CLA sedan, the GLA performed better in our tests than its sibling. It got 26 mpg overall from the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. But the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is unrefined and, combined with the engine's turbo lag, makes the GLA feel lethargic despite its quick acceleration times. Handling is fairly agile, but the ride is stiff, and the cabin is loud. Visibility, particularly to the rear, is poor. Standard safety features include a radar-based collision-prevention system. A front-drive version and a high-performance 375-hp GLA45 are available.