2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$34,300 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with sheer brute force, boasting 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear powerhouse in this matchup. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class appeals with its badge prestige and efficiency focus, managing an excellent 29 MPG combined despite requiring premium fuel. This contest pits the Santa Fe’s muscular 8-speed automated manual transmission against the GLA’s more frugal nature. The price gap is significant; the Santa Fe starts $8,700 less than the Mercedes at $34,300 versus $43,000. While the GLA offers a slight edge in efficiency (5 MPG better combined) and marginally more cargo space (15.4 cu ft vs. 14.6 cu ft), the Santa Fe dominates the performance metrics, making it the pragmatic choice for power seekers, while the GLA caters to those prioritizing upscale refinement on a tighter footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Santa Fe’s 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The larger Santa Fe, with its 190.2-inch length, generally promises more interior space, despite the spec sheet only showing a slight cargo advantage for car2.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe delivers significantly more excitement with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers $8,700 in upfront savings and notably more power for the price point.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize raw performance, as the Santa Fe offers 56 more horsepower (277 hp) than the GLA.
You are looking for the most budget-friendly option, starting at an MSRP of just $34,300.
You need the higher torque figure of 311 lb-ft for towing or robust acceleration.

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

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined.
You prefer the smaller footprint of the GLA, measuring 173.6 inches in length.
You are willing to spend the extra $8,700 for the perceived luxury and refinement of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	190.2"	173.6"
Width	74.8"	72.2"
Height	67.7"	63.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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 automated manual	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 Santa Fe and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Which crossover is more powerful for passing on the highway?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly more potent, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which dwarfs the GLA-Class's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

How does the fuel cost difference affect long-term ownership?

The Santa Fe gets 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined but mandates more expensive premium fuel, making the true long-term running costs highly dependent on annual mileage.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class significantly smaller than the Santa Fe?

Yes, the GLA is noticeably smaller; it is 173.6 inches long compared to the Santa Fe’s 190.2 inches, reflecting a difference of over 16 inches in overall length.

Why is the Hyundai Santa Fe so much cheaper?

The Santa Fe starts at an MSRP of $34,300, which is $8,700 less than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starting at $43,000, reflecting differences in brand positioning and features.

Do both models offer similar cargo utility?

The cargo capacities are nearly identical; the GLA offers 15.4 cu ft, narrowly beating the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft, though the Santa Fe is the physically larger vehicle overall.

Are the driving dynamics very different between these two FWD models?

Absolutely; the Santa Fe's setup emphasizes robust power delivery through its 277 hp engine, while the GLA leans into efficiency and presumably sharper, smaller-vehicle agility despite both utilizing an 8-speed automated manual transmission.