2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Enclave bursts onto the scene with a robust 328 hp, promising spirited American luxury, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with German efficiency and nimble dimensions. The Enclave, a substantial 207.6 inches long, boasts a torque figure of 326 lb-ft, appealing to those prioritizing outright muscle. Conversely, the smaller GLA focuses on economy, achieving a combined 29 MPG compared to the Buick's 23 MPG, even though it requires pricier premium fuel. There's a significant power gap of 107 hp favoring the Enclave, though the GLA undercuts the Buick on initial outlay by $3,600. The Enclave offers substantially more utility, maximizing cargo space at 22.9 cu ft versus the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft, establishing two distinct philosophies in the crossover segment: raw power and expansive comfort versus compact, fuel-conscious agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for daily commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency and smaller footprint.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave is the superior family hauler, offering significantly more size and a larger 22.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Buick Enclave
Enthusiasts will prefer the Enclave for its dominant 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, delivering a much more potent driving experience.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Despite requiring premium fuel, the GLA starts $3,600 cheaper and nets 6 more MPG combined, enhancing its overall cost-effectiveness.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- You need the highest possible output, benefiting from 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum utility is essential, highlighted by its extensive 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the peace of mind provided by regular unleaded fuel compatibility.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Achieving 29 MPG combined is a top priority, offering a distinct 6 MPG advantage.
- Your budget demands the lower starting MSRP of $41,500.
- You value a more nimble feel, indicated by its significantly shorter length of 173.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 173.6" |
| Width | 79.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 71.0" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Buick Enclave than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Buick Enclave possesses substantially more power, delivering 328 horsepower compared to the GLA's 221 horsepower. This results in a significant 107 hp difference in favor of the larger crossover.
Which vehicle is cheaper to run regarding fuel economy and fuel type?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is more fuel-efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the Buick Enclave manages 23 MPG combined and also requires regular unleaded. However, the GLA mandates premium fuel, which increases running costs despite better mileage.
What is the cargo capacity difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Buick Enclave is superior for hauling gear, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA provides 15.4 cubic feet, meaning the Enclave offers over 7 cubic feet more utility for luggage or gear.
Is the price difference of $3,600 worth the performance gain in the Enclave?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts $3,600 cheaper at $41,500, making it the better value proposition initially. Whether the Enclave's extra power (328 hp) justifies the premium depends entirely on how much horsepower matters to the buyer.
How do the physical dimensions affect maneuverability?
The GLA is considerably smaller at 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide, making it easier to park in tight urban settings. The Enclave, at 207.6 inches long, is built for stability and space rather than nimble city navigation.
Does the transmission type differ significantly between the two models?
Yes, the Buick Enclave uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which often results in a different, sometimes sharper, shift feel.
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