2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer bursts onto the scene with raw, accessible power, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, ready for hauling tasks with its expansive 198.8-inch length. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class captures attention with its refined efficiency and compact agility, delivering a superior 29 MPG combined despite requiring premium fuel. While the Explorer offers significantly more muscle, the GLA counters with exceptional frugality, sipping fuel at 34 MPG highway compared to the Explorer's 29 MPG highway. The $40,050 Explorer provides robust utility and a strong 10-speed automatic gearbox paired with RWD excitement. The slightly pricier $43,000 GLA remains smaller at 173.6 inches but wins on long-term running costs due to its efficiency advantage, making it the nimble city counterpart to the Explorer's broad-shouldered capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the superior commuter due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers more passenger and cargo volume, supported by its larger 198.8-inch length and greater overall utility.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer excites drivers with its superior 300 hp output and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing a far more potent driving experience.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer commands a lower starting MSRP of $40,050 while delivering significantly higher base horsepower.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum power, as the Explorer delivers an impressive 300 hp.
- You need genuine utility, benefiting from the larger 198.8-inch frame and RWD architecture.
- You want the lower entry price point at $40,050 while receiving a powerful engine setup.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle for easier city navigation (173.6 inches long).
- You value a standard FWD setup coupled with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 78.9" | 72.2" |
| Height | 69.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
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 @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.25 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| 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 | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 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 | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Ford Explorer's 24 MPG combined. However, note that the GLA requires more expensive premium unleaded fuel.
How significant is the performance difference between these two vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the Ford Explorer produces 300 hp, easily outclassing the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 221 hp. This results in a 79 hp advantage for the Explorer.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer significantly larger than the GLA?
Yes, the Explorer is much larger both externally and internally. It measures 198.8 inches long, versus the GLA's 173.6 inches, and offers more usable storage space at 18.2 cubic feet versus 15.4 cubic feet.
Which car has a better starting price?
The 2025 Ford Explorer undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class on price, starting at $40,050 compared to the GLA's $43,000 MSRP.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain orientation?
The Ford Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration with a 10-speed automatic transmission, appealing to traditional driving dynamics, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class uses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout with an 8-speed automated manual.
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