2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Choosing between sensibility and sophistication often boils down to the crossover segment, and pitting the 2025 Honda CR-V against the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA highlights this clash perfectly. The CR-V starts at a highly accessible MSRP of $30,100, starkly contrasting the GLA’s $41,500 sticker price—a $11,400 gap we can't ignore. While the GLA boasts 221 hp compared to the CR-V's 190 hp, the Honda counters with superior practicality, offering a massive 39.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mercedes' tight 15.4 cu ft. Fuel economy is neck-and-neck, with the CR-V achieving 30 combined MPG using regular unleaded, slightly edging out the GLA's 29 combined MPG which demands premium fuel. Ultimately, the CR-V champions budget-conscious usability, while the GLA promises an upscale driving experience for a significant premium.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V offers better fuel economy at 30 combined MPG and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel, saving money on daily drives.
2025 Honda CR-V
With 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, the CR-V provides nearly three times the storage space of the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, which is critical for family hauling.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 GLA delivers significantly more power with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CR-V's 190 hp.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V costs $11,400 less upfront and uses regular fuel, making its overall cost of ownership substantially lower than the GLA.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Your budget prioritizes affordability, given the CR-V's $30,100 starting MSRP.
- You frequently haul gear, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want to save money at the pump by using regular unleaded gasoline.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Performance is a major factor, thanks to the GLA's 221 hp output.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, as the GLA is 11.2 inches shorter in length than the CR-V.
- You appreciate the engagement of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a standard CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 73.5" | 72.2" |
| Height | 66.2" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Honda | 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 | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver 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 Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How significant is the price difference between the 2025 CR-V and the 2026 GLA?
The difference is substantial: the Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $41,500, whereas the Honda CR-V begins at $30,100, creating an $11,400 disparity in starting MSRP.
Which crossover is better for highway driving based on MPG?
They are nearly tied on the highway, with both achieving 34 MPG for highway driving. However, the CR-V has a slight edge in combined ratings at 30 MPG versus the GLA's 29 MPG.
Does the Honda CR-V require premium fuel like the Mercedes GLA?
No, the 2025 Honda CR-V is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel.
If cargo space is a priority, how do these two compare?
The Honda CR-V is the clear winner for cargo, offering 39.3 cu ft, which is more than double the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Is the performance difference between the two noticeable?
Yes, the GLA offers 31 more horsepower (221 hp vs. 190 hp) and a significant bump in torque (258 lb-ft vs. 179 lb-ft), making it the sportier option.
Are these vehicles similarly sized?
No, the CR-V is notably larger in every dimension; for instance, the CR-V is 184.8 inches long, making it over 11 inches longer than the 173.6-inch GLA.
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