2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$34,300 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with muscular performance, boasting 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque from its standard powertrain, a clear advantage over the more refined, yet less potent, 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA. While the GLA tantalizes with its premium badge and superior efficiency—achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG—the sheer output of the Hyundai is undeniable for spirited driving. The practicality gap is close, with the GLA offering marginally more cargo room at 15.4 cu ft against the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft, yet the Santa Fe undercuts the GLA's steep $41,500 MSRP by a massive $7,200, starting instead at a highly aggressive $34,300. This comparison pits raw power and affordability (Santa Fe) against efficiency and luxury cachet (GLA), making choices for different priorities evident despite both utilizing an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG on premium fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provides a larger overall footprint and significant power for hauling the family efficiently for $7,200 less.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers a significant advantage in raw output with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe delivers substantially more horsepower for $7,200 less than the entry price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize outright acceleration, benefiting from the Santa Fe's 277 horsepower.
Your budget is constrained, as the Santa Fe starts $7,200 lower than the GLA.
You need less frequent stops for fuel, given the Santa Fe's compatibility with regular unleaded gasoline.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, as the GLA achieves 34 highway MPG.
You desire a more compact vehicle, as the GLA is shorter at 173.6 inches versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches.
You insist on a vehicle that explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, often associated with higher-tier performance expectations.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Mercedes-Benz GLA
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	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Is the difference in horsepower noticeable between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 GLA?

Absolutely; the Santa Fe produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, giving it a commanding 56 hp edge over the GLA's 221 hp. This power difference suggests the Santa Fe will feel substantially quicker during acceleration and merging maneuvers.

Which vehicle costs less to run on a weekly basis considering fuel?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the more economical choice for regular driving, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG. However, the GLA requires more expensive premium fuel, which offsets some of the MPG benefit.

How does the cargo capacity compare for trips and daily hauling?

The difference is minimal, but the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers slightly more protected space with 15.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe trails slightly with 14.6 cubic feet, despite being a significantly longer vehicle overall (190.2 inches vs. 173.6 inches).

Why is the Santa Fe so much cheaper than the GLA?

The $7,200 price disparity reflects brand positioning and market segment focus; the Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $34,300 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA demands $41,500. Buyers pay a premium for the Mercedes-Benz badge and perceived luxury refinement.

Are the driving dynamics similar since both use an 8-speed automated manual transmission?

While the transmission type is identical, the driving feel will diverge significantly due to power output. The 311 lb-ft of torque in the Santa Fe will translate to a punchier, more urgent response compared to the GLA's 258 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is physically larger on the road?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is notably larger in all dimensions, measuring 190.2 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 67.7 inches tall. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a more compact crossover at 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches tall.