2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable disparity between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is fuel efficiency, where the GLA delivers a 7 MPG advantage, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 combined MPG. This efficiency comes at the cost of power; the Palisade boasts 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the GLA’s 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the Palisade is substantially larger, measuring 196.7 inches in length versus the GLA's 173.6 inches, which translates to superior utility with 18.0 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. The initial purchase price favors the Hyundai by $4,300, starting at $37,200 while the GLA begins at $41,500. However, the Mercedes requires premium unleaded fuel, which affects long-term running costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the preferred commuter vehicle due to its superior combined MPG rating of 29.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is superior for families because its 196.7-inch length provides 18.0 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the GLA’s space.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade appeals more to performance enthusiasts by offering 70 more horsepower (291 hp vs 221 hp) and a higher torque figure of 262 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers significantly more size and power for a $4,300 lower MSRP, yielding better overall specification-to-price value.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You require maximum interior volume, as the Palisade offers 18.0 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prioritize raw power, as the Palisade produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Your budget is strictly constrained, given the Palisade's $37,200 base MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given the GLA's 29 combined MPG rating (a 7 MPG advantage).
- You prefer a smaller footprint, with the GLA measuring 173.6 inches long compared to the Palisade's 196.7 inches.
- You are committed to premium unleaded fuel performance characteristics.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Palisade and the 2026 GLA?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade has a substantial power advantage, generating 291 horsepower compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 221 horsepower. This 70 hp difference means the Palisade will accelerate with greater authority despite being a larger vehicle.
How much more space does the larger Hyundai Palisade offer over the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Palisade offers noticeably more physical dimension, being 196.7 inches long compared to the GLA’s 173.6 inches. This contributes to 18.0 cu ft of cargo capacity in the Palisade versus only 15.4 cu ft in the GLA.
Is the higher MSRP of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA justified by its fuel economy?
The GLA costs $4,300 more upfront but saves money on fuel, rating 29 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 22 combined MPG. However, the GLA requires premium fuel, which may offset some of the savings gained from the better MPG rating.
Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?
No, they utilize different automatic transmissions; the Palisade uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the GLA is equipped with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Which vehicle is better for long-distance interstate driving regarding efficiency?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is superior for sustained highway efficiency, posting 34 MPG highway compared to the Palisade's 26 MPG highway rating.
Are there major differences in base drivetrain configurations?
Both vehicles are compared here in their front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations, but their differences in horsepower and size remain the key distinguishing factors for buyers.
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