First Drive: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Is an Improvement Over Flawed Predecessor

Mercedes doubles down with a second entry-level luxury compact SUV offering

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

September 21, 2020

The German automaker made some significant changes to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA, the smallest SUV in its lineup. The model still serves as an entry-level option for buyers who want to get into a luxury-level vehicle at an “affordable” price. We were happy to find that the redesign addressed a number of the weaknesses we found in the first-generation GLA.

It’s smaller than the boxier, more upright GLB, which has a longer wheelbase and overall length. The two SUVs also share the same front-wheel-drive-based platform as Mercedes’ A-Class and CLA small sedans.

Prices start at $36,230 for the front-wheel-drive GLA 250; the all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic costs $2,000 more. Both models are powered by a 221-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The main competitors for the GLA are the Audi Q3, BMW X2, Jaguar E-Pace, and Volvo XC40.

So far we’ve been driving the GLA for its 2,000-mile break-in period, after which we’ll put the GLA through the instrumented portion of our test program, such as determining overall fuel economy and wet and dry braking distances, among many other tests.

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in September, 2020, we finished testing the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Read the complete Mercedes-Benz GLA road test.

What we bought: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic
Powertrain: 221-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $38,230
Options: Iridium Silver metallic paint, $720; heated steering wheel, $250; garage door opener, $280; Adjustable second-row seat, $360; heated front seats, $500; 64-color interior ambient lighting, $310; USB-C adapter cable, $25; Premium package, including 10.25-inch center display, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, power folding side mirrors, keyless entry, and auto-dimming mirrors, $1,750
Total options: $4,195
Destination fee: $1,050
Total cost: $43,475

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.