2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi Q5 arrives with sophisticated all-wheel-drive capability, boasting 201 hp and a roomier 25.9 cu ft of cargo space, setting a premium standard. Conversely, the nimble 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA captivates with sharper efficiency, delivering 221 hp and an impressive 29 MPG combined for just a $41,500 starting MSRP. While the GLA prioritizes agility and economy, evidenced by its smaller 173.6-inch length and superior fuel economy figures (26/34 MPG), the Q5 leans into stability and passenger space. The Q5 achieves a solid 236 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 258 lb-ft, though the Q5's larger footprint might appeal more to those needing interior volume over the GLA's energetic front-wheel-drive bias. This contest pits Audi's established luxury proportions against Mercedes-Benz's surprising punch and value proposition.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuting due to its better combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG versus the Audi Q5's 26 MPG.
2025 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 offers substantially more storage volume with 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a higher power output with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, creating a more spirited drive than the Q5's 201 hp.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a lower entry price point, starting at $41,500 compared to the Audi Q5's $45,400 MSRP.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize passenger and cargo volume, benefiting from 25.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the sure-footed stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want a slightly higher torque rating of 236 lb-ft for towing or steady acceleration.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Your main goal is maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
- You are seeking the best value, saving $3,900 upfront based on MSRPs.
- You prefer the punchier 221 hp engine output in a smaller package.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 173.6" |
| Width | 74.5" | 72.2" |
| Height | 65.5" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 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) | 23/29 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/536.5 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 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 | 39.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 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 Q5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Is the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLA more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly more efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the 2025 Audi Q5's 26 MPG combined rating. The GLA's highway rating is also superior at 34 MPG compared to the Q5's 29 MPG.
Which crossover offers better performance dynamics based on the engine specs?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA provides more immediate power, generating 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The Audi Q5 counters with 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, but the GLA's figures suggest quicker acceleration.
How much larger is the cargo capacity in the Audi Q5?
The 2025 Audi Q5 offers 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it substantially larger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is limited to 15.4 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in drivetrain configuration between these two vehicles?
The Audi Q5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering enhanced traction in various conditions. In contrast, the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive setup.
How significant is the price difference between the base models?
The starting MSRP for the Mercedes-Benz GLA at $41,500 is $3,900 less expensive than the Audi Q5, which begins at $45,400.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different between the two crossovers?
Both utilize automated manuals, but the GLA employs an 8-speed unit, whereas the Q5 utilizes a 7-speed transmission.
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