2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$40,200 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is in fuel economy, with the GLA-Class achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Pilot's 22 MPG combined—a 7 MPG advantage. Conversely, the Pilot dominates in raw power, producing 285 horsepower compared to the GLA-Class's 221 horsepower, a substantial 64 hp difference. Price is nearly identical, with the Pilot starting at $40,200 and the GLA-Class at $43,000. The Pilot offers superior utility due to its larger footprint, measuring 199.9 inches long and providing 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the GLA-Class is smaller at 173.6 inches long with 15.4 cubic feet of cargo. Fuel type is another divergence, as the Pilot uses regular unleaded, while the GLA-Class mandates premium fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class is the superior choice for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency versus the Pilot's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is better suited for families by offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLA-Class's 15.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot provides significantly more performance hardware with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque against the GLA-Class's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot offers significantly more power (285 hp vs 221 hp) and vastly more space (18.6 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft) for a lower MSRP.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

Your primary need is maximum passenger and cargo capacity, benefiting from its 199.9-inch length and 18.6 cu ft of storage.
You prioritize raw engine output, as the Pilot delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
You wish to avoid the running cost associated with required premium unleaded fuel, as the Pilot runs on regular.

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

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, given the GLA-Class's 29 MPG combined rating versus the Pilot's 22 MPG.
You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable urban vehicle, evidenced by the GLA-Class's 173.6-inch length.
You prefer the driving characteristic of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over the Pilot's 10-speed conventional automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	199.9"	173.6"
Width	78.5"	72.2"
Height	71.0"	63.5"
Wheelbase	113.8"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

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	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable 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)	19/27 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
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	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
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	40.2 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	255/50R	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

How much larger is the 2025 Honda Pilot compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The Honda Pilot is substantially larger, measuring 199.9 inches in length compared to the GLA-Class's 173.6 inches, a difference of over 26 inches. This physical size directly translates to its 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the GLA-Class's 15.4 cubic feet.

What is the true fuel cost difference between these two crossovers?

The GLA-Class achieves 29 MPG combined, while the Pilot manages 22 MPG combined, a 7 MPG gap favoring the Mercedes. Furthermore, the GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, increasing operational expenses compared to the Pilot's regular unleaded requirement.

Which vehicle provides superior acceleration metrics based on available specifications?

Based purely on stated horsepower, the 2025 Honda Pilot leads significantly with 285 hp, overshadowing the GLA-Class's 221 hp. While torque is closer (262 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft), the Pilot's power advantage suggests superior dynamic capability.

Are the starting MSRPs significantly different for these two vehicles?

The initial pricing is quite close, with the Honda Pilot starting at $40,200 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class at $43,000. The $2,800 difference suggests the Pilot offers greater documented performance and size metrics for a lower initial investment.

Does the choice of transmission affect performance between the two?

Yes, the Pilot utilizes a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often favoring smooth, consistent power delivery. In contrast, the GLA-Class uses an 8-speed automated manual, which typically aims for quicker shifts in performance driving scenarios.

How does the body style rating apply given both are listed as crossovers?

While both are categorized as crossovers, the Pilot's larger dimensions and 71.0-inch height place it firmly in the mid-size category, offering traditional SUV utility. The GLA-Class, with its lower 63.5-inch height and 173.6-inch length, fits closer to a lifted compact hatchback.