2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline bursts onto the scene with a punchy 280 hp and a standard all-wheel-drive system, embodying rugged utility wrapped in a surprisingly car-like chassis. Contrast that with the sophisticated 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, a premium subcompact SUV that prioritizes sleek efficiency, boasting an impressive 29 MPG combined. The Ridgeline, measuring 210.2 inches long, offers a traditional truck feel paired with its exclusive 7.3 cu ft cargo bed, while the GLA is significantly smaller at 173.6 inches in length but offers double the enclosed storage with 15.4 cu ft. The power gap is substantial: the Honda delivers 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Mercedes' 258 lb-ft, augmented by an extra 59 hp from the Ridgeline. However, the GLA offsets this with an 8 MPG combined efficiency advantage, though it strictly demands premium fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers superior fuel economy at 29 MPG combined compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, making daily driving more affordable.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA provides 15.4 cu ft of enclosed cargo capacity, significantly more versatile for typical family hauling than the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft bed/storage area.
2025 Honda Ridgeline
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline excites drivers with a higher output of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with standard all-wheel drive.
2025 Honda Ridgeline
Despite having a lower MSRP of $40,150, the Ridgeline includes standard all-wheel drive and runs on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the GLA starts at $41,500 and requires premium fuel.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You require the raw power delivery of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque for towing or spirited driving.
- You prefer the simplicity and reliability of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You need the inherent capability of standard all-wheel drive combined with a low starting MSRP of $40,150.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is critical, given the GLA's 34 MPG highway rating.
- You prioritize premium, enclosed cargo space, utilizing the 15.4 cu ft volume.
- You prefer the more compact footprint (173.6 inches long) for easier city parking and maneuvering.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Ridgeline | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Ridgeline and the 2026 GLA?
The Ridgeline is substantially more powerful, producing 280 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, resulting in a 59 hp advantage for the Honda. This difference is noticeable when accelerating onto highways or when carrying heavy loads.
Which vehicle is cheaper to fuel over the long term?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is expected to be cheaper to fuel, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. However, note that the GLA requires premium unleaded fuel.
If I need to haul cargo, which crossover is better equipped?
While the Ridgeline is physically longer (210.2 inches), the GLA offers 15.4 cu ft of enclosed cargo space, which is almost double the Ridgeline’s usable 7.3 cu ft capacity, assuming the Ridgeline's cargo area is the open bed.
Is the standard drivetrain configuration significantly different?
Yes, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering better traction in poor conditions. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with front-wheel drive.
How do the base prices and fuel requirements compare?
The Ridgeline starts slightly lower at $40,150 and uses regular unleaded fuel. The GLA has an MSRP of $41,500 and mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel, increasing running costs.
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