2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA

This most affordable new Mercedes-Benz SUV doesn’t make the kind of compromises that one might expect from a luxury marque’s SUV entry point. Impressive materials, driving dynamics, and available technology put the GLA at the front of the subcompact luxury SUV class. The current-generation GLA is a multiple-time winner of our Subcompact Luxury SUV Best Buy award.

Anyone looking for luxury and driving enjoyment in a small SUV package will find the GLA to be an excellent choice.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA saw a midcycle refresh last year with a redesigned exterior, upgraded standard features, and a new mild hybrid system. For 2025, a surround-view (360-degree) camera system is now standard on all GLA variants.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced near the middle of its luxury subcompact SUV class, alongside the BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, and Volvo XC40. The Audi Q3 and Lincoln Corsair are a bit less expensive, and the GLA’s slightly larger sibling, the GLB, starts about $5,000 higher. The Lexus UX, on the other hand, is about $5,000 cheaper.

Before buying a new Mercedes-Benz GLA, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The GLA’s resale value is average for its class. Recouping more value when it’s time to sell your vehicle can leave you with more money to spend on the next one.

Although it’s the most affordable Mercedes-Benz SUV and, therefore, the “entry-level” model, the GLA doesn’t drive like a budget vehicle. The GLA 250’s peppy turbo 4-cylinder engine provides good acceleration, and the standard suspension tune feels nimble and athletic without being harsh. It’s not a speed demon, by any means, but it’s a quick and confident vehicle. For those with a real need for speed, the AMG version of the GLA is the best fit.

The base GLA gets front-wheel drive (FWD), but 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for those who deal with snowy weather or light off-roading.

Compared with rivals from Audi and BMW, the Mercedes-Benz GLA easily holds its own in terms of driving dynamics and comfort. Our one gripe with the GLA’s driving experience is that the cabin could be quieter.

Fuel Economy

The base Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 with front-wheel drive achieves 29 mpg combined (26 city/34 highway). Adding 4Matic all-wheel drive shaves 1 mpg from each of those figures, making 28 mpg combined.

The GLA is among the most fuel-efficient in its class, thanks to its standard mild hybrid system. The BMW X1 gets 28 mpg combined, for comparison, while the Audi Q3 is rated at 25 mpg combined, and the full hybrid Lexus UX returns an impressive 43 mpg combined.

The GLA’s cabin is high-tech and well-made, with materials that look good and feel pleasant to the touch. Our only gripe is that it could (and, for the money, should) be quieter in terms of road and wind noise. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth mentioning.

Otherwise, the seats are comfortable, with more second-row legroom than the competitive Audi or BMW offerings.  There’s also plenty of cargo space, with up to 50.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. With the rear seats up, though, the GLA is about 10 cubic feet short of its rivals, at 15.4 cubic feet.

Given how closely they’re positioned, we should also mention the GLA’s slightly larger stablemate, the GLB SUV. Perhaps it makes sense to think of the GLA as the coupe-like subcompact SUV and the GLB as the more traditional option. If you need more cargo space, or a third row (albeit a small one), the GLB might be better.

Last year saw some minor styling revisions at both ends, but 2025 brings no new appearance items to the GLA. Still, we think it’s a handsome SUV with lines that clearly mark it as a member of the Mercedes-Benz family despite its small dimensions.

MBUX
We’ve found this infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience) easy to use.

Augmented reality
This system overlays turn-by-turn navigation, house numbers, and other information directly into the real world, making it much easier to find your way in unfamiliar territory.

Parking assist
The GLA’s small size makes it easy to park, but Mercedes-Benz’s parking assistance system makes it even easier — finding a spot and handling all the steering, shifting, and braking requirements.

Active driver assistance
These aids provide assistance with lane changes, evasive steering, and emergency stops — plus route-adaptive cruise control.

Burmester audio
The GLA is the most affordable Mercedes-Benz SUV, but it still offers a premium Burmester surround-sound system (as an optional extra, naturally). The Dolby Atmos feature provides an especially immersive listening experience.

Available all-wheel drive
Whether you live in the snow belt or just like a little extra traction when it rains, the available 4Matic all-wheel drive system expands the GLA’s range of capabilities as well as the driver’s confidence.

Although there’s a high-performance AMG variant of the GLA (reviewed separately), the main GLA line employs a single engine. The GLA 250 uses a mild hybrid system with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, whether it’s equipped with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA’s new vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among European luxury vehicle manufacturers, but some others offer longer powertrain warranties.

Safety

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States. However, Mercedes-Benz has a fine reputation for safety, and standard features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, plus blind-spot monitoring.