2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$40,150 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The comparison between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline (starting at $40,150) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (starting at $43,000) reveals fundamental differences in prioritization, highlighted by the significant 8 MPG gap in combined fuel efficiency, with the GLA achieving 29 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG. The Ridgeline counters with a 59 hp advantage, generating 280 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, accompanied by slightly more torque at 262 lb-ft versus 258 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Ridgeline is substantially longer at 210.2 inches versus 173.6 inches for the GLA. However, the Mercedes-Benz offers nearly double the enclosed storage capacity at 15.4 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. While both are crossover segments, the Ridgeline utilizes regular unleaded fuel while the GLA mandates premium, impacting long-term operational costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class provides 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more usable enclosed storage than the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline appeals more to enthusiasts with its 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline offers better initial value with a lower MSRP of $40,150 and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require greater peak engine performance, evidenced by the Ridgeline's 280 hp output.
Your budget mandates the lower entry price point of $40,150.
You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium fuel.

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

Fuel economy is the primary metric, given the GLA's 29 MPG combined rating.
You need greater enclosed cargo space, as the GLA offers 15.4 cu ft versus 7.3 cu ft.
A more compact exterior length of 173.6 inches is necessary for urban maneuvering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	210.2"	173.6"
Width	78.6"	72.2"
Height	70.8"	63.5"
Wheelbase	125.2"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
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	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)	18/24 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.1 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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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	38.8 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/60R	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significantly does the fuel type difference affect running costs between the two crossovers?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel and achieves 29 MPG combined, whereas the Ridgeline runs on regular unleaded, delivering 21 MPG combined. This means the GLA has higher per-gallon fuel expense plus lower mileage, potentially resulting in substantially higher yearly fuel expenditure for the GLA.

What is the practical difference in power output when comparing the 280 hp Ridgeline to the 221 hp GLA?

The Ridgeline possesses 59 more horsepower than the GLA, indicating quicker acceleration capabilities in the Honda. Furthermore, the Ridgeline offers higher torque at 262 lb-ft compared to the GLA's 258 lb-ft, beneficial for towing or hauling applications.

Which vehicle offers superior passenger and storage utility based on exterior dimensions?

Although both are crossovers, the Ridgeline is significantly larger at 210.2 inches long, but the GLA provides more effective enclosed storage volume at 15.4 cu ft versus the Ridgeline’s 7.3 cu ft. The Ridgeline's extra length does not translate directly into superior enclosed cargo utility.

Given the MSRP difference, how does the value proposition stack up?

The Ridgeline is $2,850 cheaper at $40,150 compared to the GLA's $43,000 MSRP. Considering the Ridgeline’s greater power output and lower fuel requirement (regular vs. premium), it presents a stronger quantifiable value proposition, despite the GLA’s better fuel efficiency.

What are the main drivetrain distinctions affecting driving feel?

The Ridgeline features a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with All-Wheel Drive, optimized for versatility. Conversely, the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission paired with standard Front Wheel Drive, suggesting a more conventional crossover setup.

Is the GLA's FWD configuration a major drawback compared to the Ridgeline's AWD?

The Ridgeline comes standard with AWD, generally offering better traction consistency in adverse conditions. The GLA comes standard with FWD, which is adequate for most paved road driving but may limit severe weather performance compared to the Honda's standard system.