Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 straddles that vague ground between crossover SUV and hatchback. This subcompact vehicle has the much-loved raised driving position and offers all-wheel drive. But whereas most crossover SUVs tend to be a bit more (or a lot more) imposing, the GLA250 makes a little less of a splash. It’s a classy way to be for an entry-level luxury-crossover SUV that competes against rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X3, Infiniti QX30 and the all-new Lexus UX. Higher up the 2019 GLA totem is the fairly hot 375-horsepower AMG GLA45, which is reviewed separately, but the overall package of the GLA250 is charming. It represents affordable luxury while cutting a dash around town.

Given the modest width and length of the 2019 GLA250, it feels about as stable and planted as it’s possible to be. These dimensions make it easy to park, helped by the light steering. The GLA feels perfectly at home in towns and suburbs, and although it’s about as quiet as a good mainstream car on the freeway, a little more sound insulation wouldn’t go amiss in a premium vehicle like this. The ride quality is at a similar level: comfortable and together, but not quite convincing as a luxury car. Our thoughts on the shift action of the automatic transmission are along the same lines. The turbocharged engine, however, is eager and punchy, a pleasant complement to the GLA’s nimble handling. Some drivers might not like the noticeable way the engine’s fuel-saving stop/start feature kicks back in, but they can easily turn it off if they can’t get used to it.

Being a subcompact, the 2019 GLA 250 is far from roomy, but space for rear passengers is acceptable for average-sized adults providing those in front aren’t above average in height. The usual elegance Mercedes-Benz displays in its cabins is certainly evident here, but look a little closer and some of the plastics used (especially at the lower levels) are more mainstream than premium in terms of quality. For the GLA to be the company’s least expensive crossover SUV, some cost-cutting has to happen somewhere. It all seems to be built well enough, however. With the rear seats flipped down, total cargo space is 41.8 cubic feet. For some context, the Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback has 52.7.

Whether the 2019 GLA250 is a real SUV or not, it certainly has some of the attitude, with a chunky grille and faux skidplates on the lower fascias at both ends of the all-wheel-drive version. Move up a little, though, and the GLA grows sleeker rather than getting into boxy SUV territory. Crossover SUV? High-riding hatchback? Whatever it is, it’s arguably easy on the eye. The GLA is also unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz, with the prestige that accompanies the name.

ACTIVE BRAKE ASSIST
Even with the best of intentions, there are times when our concentration wavers. Or we just might not notice something. Annoyingly, those occasions often occur at the worst possible time; that’s why it’s great to have another unblinking eye on the road ahead, with the ability to apply the brakes if necessary.

ELECTRONIC BRAKE HOLD
This is perfect for traffic jams in San Francisco, and no doubt welcome elsewhere as well. Pressing a button keeps the brake applied, such as when stopped at a red light. So the driver can relax that foot a little before stepping on the accelerator pedal.

Despite the “entry-level crossover-SUV” status of the 2019 GLA250, it still comes with plenty of premium equipment as standard. Such as a power tailgate, automatic dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, selectable driving modes, 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, high-resolution 8-inch infotainment display, and keyless entry/ignition. Standard safety features include forward-collision mitigation with emergency braking and driver-attention monitoring.

All-wheel drive (known as 4Matic in Mercedes jargon) is $2,000, bringing an off-road driving mode, dedicated display and downhill-speed regulation. Additional equipment includes active lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, ambient LED cabin lighting, hands-free tailgate, panoramic roof, LED headlights, heated front seats, Harman Kardon audio system upgrade, remote start/lock/unlock, and a self-parking feature. In other words, many of the items that larger, truly luxurious vehicles offer. Leather upholstery is also available, but the simulated stuff in the regular 2019 GLA250 is actually quite good.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine provides the 2019 GLA250 with a healthy 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from a diet of premium unleaded gasoline. This is sent to the front wheels in standard form (FWD), or all four with the 4Matic system (AWD), through a 7-speed automatic transmission (fitted with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles). In performance terms, the sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes 7.2 seconds, or 0.1 faster with all-wheel drive. No reason to call up the record books, but probably fine for most people on most roads. Among the drive modes is a Sport setting that sharpens throttle responses and sets transmission shift points higher up the rev range.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (FWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD)