2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$39,730 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between practical electrification and badge prestige often trips up buyers looking for a premium small crossover experience. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid ($39,730 MSRP) offers substantial efficiency gains over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA ($41,500 MSRP). While the GLA boasts a lower profile, the Tucson is significantly larger, measuring 182.7 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, which translates directly to usable space. The Hyundai delivers an impressive 32 miles of electric range and boasts a combined 35 MPG once the battery is depleted, easily outpacing the GLA's 29 combined MPG, despite requiring regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the Tucson offers 47 more horsepower (268 hp vs. 221 hp) and nearly doubles the cargo capacity at 31.9 cu ft versus the Mercedes' 15.4 cu ft, making the Tucson a compelling utility choice.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson's 32 miles of electric range and higher combined MPG of 35 make daily commuting significantly cheaper and quieter.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

With a massive 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to just 15.4 cu ft in the GLA, the Tucson offers far superior hauling capability for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the smoother, higher-geared 8-speed automated manual transmission and the premium handling expected from a Mercedes-Benz, despite the lower power output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson costs $1,770 less, provides significantly better fuel economy, and offers greater horsepower, providing superior utility for the dollar.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your daily drive is under 32 miles, allowing you to maximize electric-only travel.
You require significant cargo space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
You want the highest power figure (268 hp) and prefer using regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

You prioritize badge prestige and a more traditionally sporty appearance due to its smaller size (173.6 inches long).
You prefer the engagement of a front-wheel-drive setup combined with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
You drive infrequently enough that the premium fuel requirement is not a major recurring cost.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	182.7"	173.6"
Width	73.4"	72.2"
Height	66.3"	63.5"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	268 hp	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	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	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	80/73 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	77 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	32 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	44	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	13.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
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	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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	39.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

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
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 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 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much more spacious is the 2025 Tucson compared to the 2026 GLA?

The difference in size is substantial; the Tucson is 182.7 inches long, providing a larger overall footprint than the 173.6-inch GLA. This results in the Tucson offering more than double the cargo room at 31.9 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

Which car saves more money on fuel annually?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is expected to save more due to its superior efficiency, achieving 35 combined MPG versus the GLA's 29 combined MPG. Additionally, the Tucson runs on regular unleaded, whereas the GLA requires more expensive premium fuel.

Does the Mercedes GLA offer any electric driving capabilities?

No, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA listed is a conventional gasoline vehicle. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is the only vehicle of the two offering an all-electric driving range of 32 miles.

Is the performance difference noticeable between these crossovers?

Yes, the Tucson is noticeably punchier, delivering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the GLA trails with 221 hp, creating a 47 hp gap.

What does the difference in drive type mean for everyday driving?

The Tucson comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is generally better for stability in poor weather, while the GLA is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). However, the GLA utilizes a slightly more refined 8-speed transmission compared to the Tucson's 6-speed unit.

Which vehicle has a higher starting price?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA has a higher MSRP at $41,500, making it $1,770 more expensive than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starting at $39,730.