2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a truly spacious three-row SUV like the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and a compact luxury crossover like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class presents a classic dilemma: size versus badge cachet. The Palisade immediately undercuts the GLA-Class with a significant MSRP difference of $5,800, starting at $37,200 versus the Mercedes' $43,000. Despite being significantly larger—the Palisade measures 196.7 inches long compared to the GLA’s 173.6 inches—the Palisade is surprisingly efficient, netting 22 combined MPG, while the smaller GLA manages 29 combined MPG, saving substantially on fuel costs over time. Power is also skewed, as the Palisade delivers a punchy 291 hp, dwarfing the GLA’s 221 hp, although the GLA demands premium fuel for its efficiency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is the superior family hauler thanks to its larger exterior dimensions and greater passenger/cargo volume.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers considerably more power with 291 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp, providing better acceleration.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade starts $5,800 cheaper and uses regular unleaded fuel, leading to much lower ownership costs than the premium-fueled Mercedes.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You regularly transport more than five people or need maximum cargo capacity (18 cu ft is available).
- You want the most engine power available, boasting 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- You need to save money upfront, as the Palisade's $37,200 MSRP is $5,800 less than the GLA.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, given the GLA achieves 34 highway MPG versus the Palisade's 26 MPG.
- You strongly prefer the prestige and luxury feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- Your driving mainly involves solo trips or small groups, as the compact dimensions (173.6 inches length) make city parking easier.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 173.6" |
| Width | 77.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 68.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| 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 | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Which vehicle will cost me more to fuel annually?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, immediately raising the cost per gallon. Furthermore, the Palisade's 22 combined MPG is significantly lower than the GLA’s 29 combined MPG, meaning you'll be buying fuel more frequently for the larger SUV.
How much bigger is the cargo space between these two crossovers?
The Hyundai Palisade offers substantially more utility with 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, which is larger than the GLA-Class's 15.4 cubic feet, making the Palisade better for larger shopping trips or gear hauling.
Is the Mercedes GLA powerful enough for highway merging?
While the GLA has less peak power at 221 hp, its torque output (258 lb-ft) is very close to the Palisade’s 262 lb-ft; however, the Palisade's extra 70 horsepower will provide more effortless high-speed passing.
Does the difference in size (196.7 inches vs 173.6 inches) affect drivability?
Yes, the Palisade's longer 196.7-inch body is harder to maneuver and park in tight urban settings compared to the smaller, more nimble 173.6-inch GLA-Class, which often feels more like a large hatchback.
Which vehicle is the better overall value proposition?
Value heavily leans toward the Palisade because you get a larger vehicle with significantly more horsepower for nearly $6,000 less money and use less expensive regular unleaded gas.
What transmission differences should a buyer know?
The Palisade uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, generally known for smooth, conventional shifting, whereas the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which can feel different during low-speed driving.
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