2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport ignites adventure with a commanding 246 hp and standard all-wheel drive, offering a premium, capable stance, though its 20 MPG combined efficiency reflects that robust nature. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class thrills with exceptional efficiency, boasting a superior 29 MPG combined rating, making every drop of fuel stretch further. The Land Rover asks for a $48,900 starting price, significantly steeper than the GLA's $43,000 MSRP. While the Discovery Sport delivers more immediate punch with 269 lb-ft of torque versus the GLA's 258 lb-ft, the GLA compensates with lighter running costs, consuming premium fuel to achieve its segment-leading efficiency. Furthermore, the Land Rover offers nearly double the utility, packing 32.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, appealing strongly to those needing true versatility alongside luxury aspirations.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its outstanding 29 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly reducing running costs over daily driving.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the clear family choice, offering a cavernous 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's smaller 15.4 cu ft.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport offers superior raw power, generating 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, coupled with standard AWD for dynamic confidence.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class provides better overall value by starting $5,900 lower on MSRP and delivering significantly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize capability and handling rougher roads with standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need substantial interior space, utilizing the 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You desire a performance edge with 246 horsepower and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing miles per gallon, thanks to its 29 MPG combined rating.
- You are budget-conscious, saving $5,900 on the initial purchase price.
- You prefer a smaller footprint for urban navigation, given its shorter length of 173.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 173.6" |
| Width | - | 72.2" |
| Height | 67.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/23 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 336.3/407.1 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Land Rover | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | 380W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Antenna Type | Diversity | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.25 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.7 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | N/A | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
How does the difference in horsepower impact real-world driving between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Discovery Sport holds a 25 hp advantage, delivering 246 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp, meaning the Land Rover will feel quicker and more responsive during highway merging or overtaking maneuvers.
Is the extra cost of the Land Rover justified by its larger size?
The Discovery Sport commands a $48,900 MSRP compared to the GLA's $43,000, but this cost is linked to its larger dimensions and utility; specifically, it offers 32.2 cu ft of cargo versus only 15.4 cu ft in the Mercedes.
Which vehicle is more expensive to fuel based on the required fuel type and MPG?
While the Discovery Sport achieves 20 MPG on regular unleaded, the GLA-Class achieves a much better 29 MPG combined but requires premium fuel, which might narrow the long-term fuel cost advantage.
Does the drivetrain setup affect their intended use?
Yes, the Discovery Sport comes standard with AWD for enhanced traction in adverse conditions, whereas the base GLA-Class uses a Front Wheel Drive layout, prioritizing efficiency over absolute all-weather grip.
How does the transmission choice affect the driving feel in these two vehicles?
The Land Rover uses a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission, known for smooth, traditional shifts, while the Mercedes utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which can feel more direct and sporty to driving enthusiasts.
What is the difference in physical footprint between the 2025 Discovery Sport and the GLA-Class?
The Land Rover is significantly larger, measuring 180.9 inches long and 67.9 inches tall, making it a bulkier option compared to the more compact Mercedes GLA, which sits at 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches high.
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