2025 GMC Acadia vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the roomy 2025 GMC Acadia and the compact 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class often boils down to size versus efficiency, a classic automotive trade-off. If utility is king, the Acadia offers significant bulk, measuring 204.0 inches long, and provides a generous 23 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft. However, this size comes at a fuel cost; the Acadia achieves only 23 combined MPG on regular unleaded, whereas the smaller GLA-Class manages an impressive 29 combined MPG, although it strictly requires premium fuel. Power delivery is drastically different, too: the Acadia boasts 328 hp, crushing the GLA-Class's 221 hp output. Despite the Acadia’s lower fuel economy, its $42,900 MSRP is nearly identical to the Mercedes’ $43,000 starting price, making the choice between spacious muscle and efficient luxury quite complex for potential buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency and smaller footprint.
2025 GMC Acadia
The Acadia is the clear family choice, offering substantially more utility with its 204.0-inch length and 23 cu ft of cargo room.
2025 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will prefer the Acadia for its significantly higher 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque output.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Despite needing premium fuel, the GLA-Class offers better efficiency (6 MPG more combined) for a very similar $43,000 entry price.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You absolutely need maximum space, highlighted by its 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- You prioritize raw power, thanks to its 328 hp engine, which dwarfs the competition's output.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of the mandated premium for car2.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Your primary goal is minimizing trips to the pump, leveraging its 29 combined MPG rating.
- You want a smaller, easier-to-maneuver vehicle for tight urban environments (173.6 inches long).
- You appreciate the prestige badge, even if the MSRP ($43,000) is essentially the same as the Acadia.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Acadia | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.0" | 173.6" |
| Width | 79.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 70.1" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | 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 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 Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | 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 | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | 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) | 0/0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 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 | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 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 Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
How much bigger is the 2025 GMC Acadia in person?
The Acadia is noticeably larger; it measures 204.0 inches long compared to the GLA-Class's 173.6 inches, giving it a substantial advantage in passenger and cargo volume.
Is the fuel economy difference significant between these two crossovers?
Yes, the GLA-Class is significantly more efficient, delivering 29 combined MPG versus the Acadia's 23 combined MPG, a 6 MPG difference on paper.
Does the Acadia use the same fuel as the Mercedes GLA-Class?
No, the Acadia runs on regular unleaded fuel, while the Mercedes GLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded, which will affect long-term running costs.
Which vehicle is better for highway cruising based on horsepower?
The Acadia is the better choice for effortless highway passing, as it produces 328 hp, far surpassing the GLA-Class’s 221 hp output.
If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover has more storage?
The Acadia clearly wins on storage, offering 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is nearly 8 cubic feet more than the GLA-Class's 15.4 cubic feet.
Are the MSRPs comparable for the base models?
They are extremely close; the 2025 GMC Acadia starts at $42,900, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class begins at $43,000.
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