2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The primary differentiator between the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is performance and efficiency, with a significant 6 MPG gap favoring the GLA's combined rating of 29 MPG versus the Acadia's 23 MPG. Conversely, the Acadia boasts a commanding 107 horsepower advantage, producing 328 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, along with 326 lb-ft of torque versus 258 lb-ft. Size is another critical distinction: the Acadia is substantially larger at 204.0 inches in length, yielding 23.0 cu ft of cargo space, while the smaller GLA measures only 173.6 inches long and offers 15.4 cu ft of capacity. Although the Mercedes starts at a lower MSRP of $41,500 versus the Acadia's $42,900, the Acadia uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the GLA mandates more expensive premium fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG.
2025 GMC Acadia
The 2025 GMC Acadia is the choice for families, offering significantly more overall volume with 23.0 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will favor the Acadia, which delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Despite a lower MSRP of $41,500, the GLA's higher fuel efficiency and regular unleaded requirement suggest better long-term running costs than the Acadia.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- Maximum interior volume is necessary, benefiting from the 204.0-inch length and 23.0 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Higher power output (328 hp) and torque (326 lb-ft) are preferred for towing or acceleration.
- The owner wants to use regular unleaded fuel instead of a premium requirement.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is the top priority, yielding 29 MPG combined against the Acadia's 23 MPG.
- A lower initial purchase price, starting at $41,500, is necessary.
- A smaller footprint (173.6 inches long) is desired for urban maneuverability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Acadia | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which vehicle has the highest horsepower rating?
The 2025 GMC Acadia is significantly more powerful, offering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel requirement differ between these crossovers?
The Acadia is designed for regular unleaded fuel, which is typically less expensive per gallon. The Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation.
What is the cargo capacity difference?
The Acadia provides 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space, making it substantially more practical than the GLA, which offers only 15.4 cubic feet.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2025 GMC Acadia is considerably larger in every dimension, measuring 204.0 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches.
How significant is the price difference at the base level?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA has a slight MSRP advantage at $41,500, while the 2025 GMC Acadia starts at $42,900.
Which vehicle offers better highway fuel economy?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA achieves 34 MPG on the highway, outperforming the Acadia's 27 MPG highway rating.
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