2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$47,600 · Wagon

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad blasts onto the scene with a potent 261 hp and a commanding 273 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those who prioritize dynamic performance from their practical wagon body style. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, though slightly down on power at 221 hp, counters with superior efficiency, achieving a segment-leading combined MPG of 29 versus the Audi's 26 MPG. The Audi boasts a larger footprint at 187.5 inches long and offers significantly more space with 24.2 cu ft of cargo volume compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. However, the GLA undercuts the Audi on entry price by $6,100, starting at $41,500 compared to the A4 allroad's $47,600 MSRP. While the Audi emphasizes AWD grip and power, the GLA leans into accessible urban maneuverability, setting the stage for a battle between accessible efficiency and outright premium power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway versus the A4 allroad's 30 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4 allroad

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad provides substantially more utility for families with 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4 allroad

Enthusiasts will prefer the Audi for its 40 extra horsepower and higher torque figures, making for a more spirited drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $41,500, saving $6,100 over the Audi A4 allroad.

Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...

You demand maximum straight-line performance, as the Audi offers 261 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp.
Your lifestyle requires significant cargo hauling, evidenced by the 24.2 cu ft capacity.
You prioritize the sure-footed grip and stability of the standard all-wheel-drive system.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Sticking to a tighter budget is paramount, given the $41,500 starting price point.
Maximizing miles per gallon is key, with the GLA achieving 34 MPG highway.
You prefer the slightly taller, more upright stance of a crossover, offering 63.5 inches of height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4 allroad	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	187.5"	173.6"
Width	72.7"	72.2"
Height	58.8"	63.5"
Wheelbase	110.9"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/459.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.4 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/45R H	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much more powerful is the Audi A4 allroad compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad boasts a significant edge in performance, delivering 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This is 40 more horsepower and 15 lb-ft more torque than the 221 hp and 258 lb-ft offered by the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Which vehicle is the better choice for road trips based on fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA appears more efficient for long hauls, rating 34 MPG on the highway compared to the Audi A4 allroad's 30 MPG highway rating. However, the Audi requires recommended premium fuel, while the GLA strictly requires it.

Is the cargo capacity meaningfully different between these two models?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Audi A4 allroad wagon provides 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover offers only 15.4 cubic feet, making the Audi superior for bulkier hauling needs.

How do the body styles influence their dimensions?

The Audi A4 allroad (wagon) is considerably longer at 187.5 inches, prioritizing wheelbase stability. The GLA (crossover) is shorter in length (173.6 inches) but taller at 63.5 inches, reflecting a classic SUV profile.

Which car offers better all-weather capability right off the bat?

The Audi A4 allroad comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, which inherently provides more consistent traction management than the standard front-wheel-drive setup found in the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

What is the price gap I should expect between these two vehicles?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA has a substantially lower starting MSRP of $41,500. The 2025 Audi A4 allroad begins at $47,600, creating an initial price discrepancy of $6,100 favoring the GLA.