2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (Car 1) and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder (Car 2) is the initial $6,600 MSRP difference, positioning the Pathfinder at $36,400 versus the GLA-Class's $43,000. This pricing delta comes against a substantial power disparity, where the Pathfinder delivers 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the GLA-Class's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, fuel economy strongly favors the smaller Mercedes, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating using required premium unleaded, whereas the larger Nissan achieves 23 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Furthermore, the Pathfinder offers greater utility, boasting a 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft, despite being over 24 inches longer at 197.7 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class is superior for daily commuting due to its higher 29 MPG combined fuel economy rating compared to the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is the superior choice for families, offering greater physical dimensions (197.7 inches long) and slightly more cargo space at 16.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder generates more immediate performance with 284 hp versus the GLA-Class's 221 hp.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers 63 more horsepower and substantially more space for a $6,600 lower base MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is a primary concern, given its 29 MPG combined rating.
- The requirement for premium unleaded fuel is acceptable in exchange for higher efficiency.
- A smaller overall footprint (173.6 inches in length) is preferred for urban maneuverability.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- Maximum output is desired, evidenced by its 284 hp versus Car 1's 221 hp.
- Budget constraints favor the lower $36,400 MSRP over the GLA-Class's $43,000.
- Utility space is important, as the Pathfinder provides 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 197.7" |
| Width | 72.2" | 77.9" |
| Height | 63.5" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| 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 Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| 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 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.3 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 255/60R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Does the difference in fuel requirements affect the long-term cost of ownership?
Yes, Car 1 (GLA-Class) requires premium unleaded fuel for its 29 MPG rating, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded used by Car 2 (Pathfinder). Even with Car 1’s superior mileage, the premium fuel requirement may offset the 6 MPG advantage over time.
How much larger is the Pathfinder physically compared to the GLA-Class?
The Pathfinder is substantially larger across all dimensions; it is 24.1 inches longer (197.7 in vs 173.6 in), 5.7 inches wider, and 7.4 inches taller than the GLA-Class.
Which vehicle provides better power figures despite using front-wheel drive?
Car 2, the Pathfinder, provides significantly higher power with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, whereas Car 1 only produces 221 hp, though both utilize FWD configurations.
Is the cargo space difference between the two crossovers significant for daily use?
The Pathfinder offers 1.2 cubic feet more cargo room (16.6 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft), which is a minor advantage given its much larger exterior footprint.
What transmission type is offered in each vehicle?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, while the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How does the MSRP impact the power-to-price ratio?
The Pathfinder delivers 284 hp for $36,400, resulting in a substantially better dollar-per-horsepower ratio than the GLA-Class, which offers 221 hp for $43,000.
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