2025 Buick Envision vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a budget-friendly crossover and a premium badge often boils down to size versus efficiency. The 2025 Buick Envision starts at $38,000, significantly undercutting the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's $41,500 MSRP, a difference of $3,500 right off the lot. However, the smaller GLA rewards highway drivers with better mileage, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Envision's 24 MPG combined—a notable 5 MPG advantage, despite the Buick offering AWD versus the GLA's FWD. In practicality, the Envision is substantially larger, boasting 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, vastly exceeding the GLA’s 15.4 cubic feet. While the Buick leads on space and price, the GLA offers superior fuel economy for long commutes, even though the Envision posts a slightly higher 228 hp output against the GLA’s 221 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its 5 MPG advantage in combined efficiency (29 MPG vs 24 MPG).
2025 Buick Envision
The 2025 Buick Envision offers significantly more utility with 25.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to just 15.4 cubic feet in the GLA.
2025 Buick Envision
Car1 wins for performance enthusiasts because it delivers higher peak horsepower at 228 hp, versus the GLA's 221 hp.
2025 Buick Envision
The Buick Envision provides better dollar-for-dollar value, saving $3,500 upfront while delivering a larger overall footprint.
Choose the Buick Envision if...
- You prioritize maximum utility, as the Envision offers 25.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft.
- Your budget is tight, given the Envision’s $38,000 MSRP is $3,500 less than the Mercedes.
- You prefer the added security of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) which comes standard on the Envision.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG on the highway versus the Envision's 28 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle, as the GLA is about 9 inches shorter in length (173.6 inches vs 182.7 inches).
- You want a vehicle where premium fuel is strictly required, signaling a potentially higher compression ratio setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Envision | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 173.6" |
| Width | 74.1" | 72.2" |
| Height | 64.6" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 109.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | 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 | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.2/450.8 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 9 | — |
| 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 | 39.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 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 |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P245/45R20 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside 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 Envision and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which car costs less to operate day-to-day considering fuel?
While the GLA costs $3,500 more upfront, its superior fuel economy (29 combined MPG vs 24 combined MPG for the Envision) will save money over time, especially since the GLA requires less fuel than the Envision.
How significant is the cargo space difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial: the 2025 Buick Envision provides 25.2 cubic feet for luggage, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly tighter with only 15.4 cubic feet available.
Does the slightly higher horsepower in the Envision translate to better driving dynamics?
The Envision technically has more horsepower (228 hp vs 221 hp) and uses a 9-speed automatic, which might feel smoother than the GLA's 8-speed automated manual, but the GLA has slightly lower torque output at 258 lb-ft, matching the Buick.
Why is the 2026 GLA so much more fuel-efficient if it’s FWD?
The GLA is a smaller vehicle overall—it's nearly 10 inches shorter and narrower—and likely engineered with a lighter curb weight, contributing directly to its excellent 29 combined MPG rating compared to the slightly larger Envision.
What is the driving difference between the Envision's AWD and the GLA's FWD?
The Envision’s All-Wheel Drive provides better traction management, especially in slippery conditions, whereas the GLA's Front-Wheel Drive setup prioritizes efficiency and lower manufacturing cost.
Does either car recommend or require premium fuel?
The 2025 Buick Envision recommends premium unleaded for its 228 hp output, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 221 hp engine.
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