2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$30,000 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class often boils down to prioritizing budget versus brand prestige and performance. If saving money is key, the Terrain starts significantly lower at $30,000 compared to the GLA's $43,000 MSRP—a steep $13,000 gap. While the GLA offers punchier acceleration thanks to its 221 hp versus the Terrain's 175 hp, the Terrain achieves a respectable 27 MPG combined on regular unleaded. On the practicality front, the Terrain clearly wins, offering 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly double the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. However, the GLA is slightly more efficient on the highway (34 MPG vs. 28 MPG) despite needing premium fuel. For buyers needing maximum utility without the luxury price tag, the Terrain’s robust dimensions and lower running costs make a strong case, even if it sacrifices 46 horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class offers superior highway fuel economy at 34 MPG and better horsepower (221 hp) for merging onto busy roads.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Terrain

The Terrain is the undeniable winner for families due to its significantly larger 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity, offering nearly double the space of the GLA.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class enthusiast will appreciate the higher output of 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's 175 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

With a $13,000 lower MSRP ($30,000 vs $43,000) and standard fuel economy on regular unleaded, the Terrain provides far better fundamental value.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

You need maximum cargo hauling capacity, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cubic feet.
Sticking to a strict budget is paramount, given the $30,000 starting MSRP.
You prefer not to pay extra for premium fuel, as the Terrain runs on regular unleaded.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...

You prioritize performance, enjoying the extra 46 horsepower over the base Terrain.
You drive mainly on the highway where the GLA achieves 34 MPG.
The prestige and engineering associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge are non-negotiable for you.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	181.0"	173.6"
Width	74.5"	72.2"
Height	66.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	107.5"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
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	40.0 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
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 Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Terrain and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

How much more spacious is the 2025 GMC Terrain compared to the GLA-Class?

The Terrain is much more spacious for hauling gear; it boasts 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class only provides 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is the higher price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA justified by better fuel economy?

Not entirely; the GLA achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Terrain's 28 MPG highway, but the Terrain gets better combined efficiency (27 MPG) while only requiring regular unleaded fuel, which offsets some of the GLA's mileage advantage.

Which crossover offers significantly better performance metrics?

The GLA-Class is the clear performance leader, putting out 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Terrain provides a modest 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.

What is the initial price difference between these two FWD crossovers?

There is a substantial $13,000 price gap, with the 2025 GMC Terrain starting at $30,000 while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at $43,000.

Does one require premium fuel while the other does not?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel for its engine to operate optimally. Conversely, the 2025 GMC Terrain is compatible with standard, less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is physically larger or smaller?

The GMC Terrain is physically larger in most dimensions, measuring 181.0 inches long and 66.2 inches high. The GLA-Class is more compact, measuring 173.6 inches in length and 63.5 inches in height.