2025 Honda Passport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Choosing between rugged utility and upscale efficiency often stumps buyers, especially when looking at similarly priced crossovers like the 2025 Honda Passport ($42,400 MSRP) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA ($41,500 MSRP). The Passport is clearly built for capability, boasting 280 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, making it much larger at 189.1 inches long. Conversely, the GLA targets urban dwellers, returning an impressive 29 MPG combined, outperforming the Passport's 21 MPG combined by 8 full miles per gallon. However, that efficiency comes at a cost; the GLA requires premium fuel and offers only 15.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Passport's substantial 50.5 cu ft. While the Passport has 59 more horsepower, the GLA's lower entry price and superior fuel economy make it compelling for the budget-conscious city driver.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its significantly better 29 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Honda Passport
The 2025 Honda Passport is the clear choice for families, offering massive 50.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to just 15.4 cu ft in the GLA.
2025 Honda Passport
With 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Passport offers notably more power than the GLA's 221 hp.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Despite needing premium fuel, the GLA's lower $41,500 MSRP and much higher fuel efficiency give it the edge in overall running costs for many drivers.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, evidenced by its 50.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You value raw power, thanks to its 280 hp engine and standard AWD.
- You prefer to use regular unleaded gasoline instead of requiring premium fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You prioritize city efficiency, as it achieves 34 MPG on the highway.
- You want a smaller footprint for tight city parking, measuring only 173.6 inches long.
- You prefer the lower starting price point of $41,500.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Passport | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1" | 173.6" |
| Width | 78.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 72.2" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.5/468.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 215W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 265/45R | 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Passport and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips in terms of fuel usage?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is superior for minimizing fuel stops, achieving 29 MPG combined. The Passport only manages 21 MPG combined, meaning the GLA uses roughly 28% less fuel over the same distance.
How much larger is the Honda Passport for carrying gear?
The difference in utility is staggering: the 2025 Honda Passport provides 50.5 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA only offers 15.4 cu ft.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA require expensive fuel?
Yes, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA strictly requires premium unleaded fuel. The Honda Passport is happier running on regular unleaded, which typically costs less per gallon.
Who wins on pure driving performance between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Honda Passport is the more potent option, producing 280 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp. Additionally, the Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the GLA uses Front Wheel Drive.
How does the size difference impact maneuverability?
The GLA is significantly smaller and lighter; it is 189.1 inches long compared to the Passport's 173.6 inches, which generally makes the GLA easier to navigate and park in crowded urban environments.
Are the initial purchase prices very different?
The initial costs are surprisingly close; the Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $41,500, while the Honda Passport begins at $42,400, representing a small $900 difference.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool