2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA often boils down to prioritizing rugged capability versus premium urban efficiency. If your budget is tight, the Jeep starts nearly $5,000 less at an MSRP of $36,495 compared to the GLA's $41,500. Power delivery is significantly different: the Jeep boasts 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the GLA's 221 hp. However, this power comes at a cost to the pump; the GLA wins the efficiency battle with a combined 29 MPG, easily beating the Jeep's 22 MPG, though the Jeep saves money by accepting regular unleaded versus the Benz's premium requirement. Dimensionally, the Jeep is the larger vehicle at 193.5 inches long, offering a huge advantage with 37.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's compact 15.4 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is better for families because its 37.7 cu ft of cargo capacity dwarfs the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Enthusiasts seeking higher output will prefer the Grand Cherokee, which offers 72 more horsepower at 293 hp.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep offers substantially more power and cargo room while saving the buyer $5,005 in initial purchase price.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...
- You need maximum hauling capacity, as the Jeep provides 37.7 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prioritize raw power, highlighted by its 293 hp engine.
- You want to save money on fuel by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Your driving is mostly highway cruising, benefiting from 34 MPG highway.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle footprint, as the GLA is over 60 inches shorter in length.
- You prefer the smooth operation and efficiency gains from an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.5" | 173.6" |
| Width | 77.5" | 72.2" |
| Height | 70.8" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 116.7" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | 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) | 437.0/598.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.4 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 | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA than the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The GLA provides a noticeable edge in efficiency, netting 29 MPG combined compared to the Grand Cherokee's 22 MPG combined, a 7 MPG difference.
Which vehicle has significantly more engine power for acceleration?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers significantly more power, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is 72 horsepower more than the GLA's output.
Is the base price difference between these two crossovers substantial?
Yes, there is a $5,005 price gap, with the Jeep starting at $36,495 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA starting at $41,500.
Does one require more expensive fuel than the other?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA requires premium unleaded gasoline for operation, whereas the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee runs efficiently on regular unleaded.
Which crossover offers better utility for hauling large items?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the superior hauler, offering 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than double the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in their drivetrains regarding power delivery?
The Jeep is equipped with traditional rear-wheel drive paired with a shiftable automatic transmission, while the GLA utilizes front-wheel drive and an automated manual transmission.
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