2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is fuel economy, with the GLA achieving a combined 29 MPG compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG, a 10 MPG advantage. Power delivery also heavily favors the Bronco, offering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque against the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft, representing a substantial 79 hp difference. Priced initially lower at $38,995 versus the GLA's $41,500 MSRP, the Bronco offsets its lower efficiency with superior output. Dimensionally, the vehicles are remarkably similar in length (173.7 in vs 173.6 in), but the Bronco stands considerably taller at 71.9 inches compared to the GLA's 63.5 inches. For utility, the Bronco boasts 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is superior for commuting due to its 29 combined MPG rating, significantly better than the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco offers greater utility for families with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 Ford Bronco
Enthusiasts will favor the Bronco for its higher output of 300 hp and the engagement provided by the 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco provides significantly more power (300 hp vs 221 hp) and greater capability for a lower entry price of $38,995.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You require maximum powertrain performance, evidenced by 325 lb-ft of torque.
- Off-road capability and ground clearance are priorities, indicated by its 71.9-inch height and four-wheel drive system.
- You prefer manual control, as it is equipped with a 7-speed manual transmission.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 29 combined MPG versus 19 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly narrower profile (72.2 inches wide) and a lower ride height (63.5 inches tall).
- An automated shifting experience is desired via the 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 173.6" |
| Width | 75.9" | 72.2" |
| Height | 71.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Bronco and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Ford Bronco than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Ford Bronco produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, giving it an 79 hp advantage over the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This performance differential is the largest specification gap between the two vehicles.
Which vehicle offers better real-world fuel economy?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly more efficient, achieving 29 combined MPG (26 city/34 highway). The 2025 Ford Bronco lags substantially behind with only 19 combined MPG (18 city/21 highway).
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA smaller than the Ford Bronco?
Yes, the GLA is notably smaller in height and width, measuring 63.5 inches tall and 72.2 inches wide, whereas the Bronco stands at 71.9 inches tall and 75.9 inches wide. Their lengths are nearly identical at approximately 173.7 inches.
Which SUV provides more storage volume?
The Ford Bronco offers superior cargo volume at 20.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Mercedes-Benz GLA provides 15.4 cubic feet, meaning the Bronco has over 5 cubic feet more space for gear.
How do the base pricing and required fuel type compare?
The Bronco has a lower starting MSRP of $38,995 compared to the GLA at $41,500. Both recommend premium fuel, although the GLA explicitly requires it, while the Bronco recommends it.
What is the fundamental difference in drivetrain and transmission between these two SUVs?
The Bronco utilizes a standard four-wheel drive system paired exclusively with a 7-speed manual transmission for driver engagement. Conversely, the GLA is front-wheel drive standard and uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission for efficiency.
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