2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Dodge Durango bursts onto the scene with American muscle, boasting a commanding 295 hp from its standard engine, promising raw, rear-wheel-drive thrills. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA seduces with German efficiency and premium refinement, albeit delivering a more modest 221 hp. The Durango dominates in sheer presence, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the GLA's tight 173.6 inches, and offers slightly more utility with 17.2 cu ft of cargo space versus 15.4 cu ft. However, the efficiency gap is staggering: the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined on premium fuel, thoroughly outclassing the Durango's 20 MPG combined on regular unleaded. With a $3,005 starting price difference, buyers must weigh Durango’s significant 74 hp advantage against the GLA’s superior fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear commuter winner due to its significantly higher 29 MPG combined rating versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
2025 Dodge Durango
The 2025 Dodge Durango offers a larger footprint and superior 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity for hauling family gear.
2025 Dodge Durango
The Durango wins for driving enthusiasts due to its substantial 295 hp and engaging rear-wheel-drive platform.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Despite the higher initial MSRP, the GLA's superior fuel economy and premium badge offer better long-term running value over the Durango.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You crave raw power, appreciating the 74 horsepower surplus over the competition.
- You require a commanding road presence, evidenced by its 200.8-inch length.
- You prefer the dynamic feel and handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive layout.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Maximum fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by its 34 MPG highway rating.
- You value a more compact, urban-friendly size (173.6 inches long).
- Your budget prioritizes lower running costs despite requiring premium unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 75.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 72.1" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | 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 | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How does the performance difference impact daily driving between the Durango and the GLA?
The 2025 Dodge Durango offers a clear performance edge with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making highway merging quicker. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 hp is tuned more for efficiency, which shows in its slower acceleration times but smoother city driving.
Is the premium fuel requirement for the GLA worth the higher MPG?
The GLA requires premium fuel for its 29 MPG combined rating, while the Durango uses regular unleaded for its 20 MPG rating. Drivers must calculate the cost difference between burning more regular fuel versus less premium fuel to determine true cost-per-mile value.
Which crossover offers a better overall utility setup?
The 2025 Durango is physically larger in every dimension and provides more inherent utility, offering 17.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, making it better suited for larger loads.
What is the primary mechanical difference in driving dynamics?
The Durango features a traditional rear-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, lending a sportier feel. The GLA utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an 8-speed automated manual transmission, optimizing traction for efficiency.
How significant is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Dodge Durango starts at $38,495, undercutting the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA by $3,005 at its $41,500 starting point, making the Durango significantly more accessible upfront.
Are either of these vehicles considered small for a crossover?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is considerably smaller and shorter (173.6 inches long) and generally fits into the subcompact luxury segment. The 2025 Dodge Durango is a large three-row capable crossover, standing over 72 inches tall and 200 inches long.
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