2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport brings rugged capability with 246 hp and standard AWD, presenting itself as the adventurous choice starting at $48,900. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA captivates with efficiency and agility, boasting an impressive 29 MPG combined, significantly eclipsing the Land Rover's 20 MPG figure. The GLA is notably more accessible with an MSRP of $41,500, representing a $7,400 initial saving over the Land Rover. While the Discovery Sport offers superior space with 32.2 cu ft of cargo volume versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, the Mercedes counters with performance gains in efficiency, even requiring premium fuel. Power-wise, the Land Rover holds a slight edge with 269 lb-ft of torque to the GLA's 258 lb-ft, making this comparison a clear trade-off between British utility and German urban finesse.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the superior commuter due to its class-leading 29 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport wins for families by offering significantly more cargo capacity at 32.2 cubic feet.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport will appeal more to driving enthusiasts with its 246 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA delivers superior value by costing $7,400 less upfront while achieving 9 MPG better fuel economy.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize off-road capability and need standard All-Wheel Drive.
- Your lifestyle demands maximum utility, given its 32.2 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the higher output of 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque from a regular unleaded engine.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Your priority is maximizing miles per gallon, as it achieves 29 MPG combined.
- You seek the lowest initial purchase price, saving $7,400 at $41,500 MSRP.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, measuring 173.6 inches in length compared to Car 1's 180.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the true cost difference considering fuel type requirements?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a $7,400 lower MSRP ($41,500 vs $48,900), but requires premium fuel; the Land Rover Discovery Sport runs on less expensive regular unleaded, slightly mitigating the initial price gap over time.
Which crossover handles adverse weather better?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is inherently better equipped for varying conditions, featuring standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA is primarily configured with Front Wheel Drive.
How much power difference will I actually notice between the two?
The Discovery Sport offers 246 hp against the GLA's 221 hp, resulting in a 25 hp advantage for the Land Rover, which also produces 269 lb-ft of torque compared to the Mercedes' 258 lb-ft.
Is the GLA's smaller size a major issue for hauling?
Yes, the difference is significant: the Land Rover provides 32.2 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the GLA's 15.4 cu ft capacity, making the Land Rover much better for large hauls.
Does the GLA's superior MPG offset its use of premium gasoline?
The GLA delivers 29 MPG combined, a substantial 9 MPG better than the Land Rover's 20 MPG, which will likely result in significant long-term fuel savings despite the premium requirement.
What transmission differences should I consider?
The Discovery Sport uses a conventional 9-speed automatic, while the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which can sometimes offer quicker shifts but might feel different during city driving.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool