2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$43,000 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between premium badge appeal and raw utility is a classic crossover dilemma, and the 2025 GLA-Class versus the 2025 Ascent highlights this perfectly. The GLA starts at a higher $43,000 MSRP, demanding premium fuel to extract its 221 horsepower, though it compensates with a superior 29 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the larger Ascent undercuts it significantly at $39,995, packing 260 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive, though its fuel economy dips to 22 MPG combined and requires regular unleaded. The Ascent's sheer size, being nearly 33 inches longer at 196.8 inches, gives it 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's tighter 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA is smaller (173.6 inches long) and more efficient, the Ascent delivers a 39 hp advantage for $3,005 less, making the trade-off between luxury feel and practical volume the core consideration for buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the clear family choice as it is significantly larger, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts will favor the Ascent because it offers 260 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive compared to the GLA's 221 hp and FWD base configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers more power and a larger body for a $3,005 lower starting MSRP of $39,995.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the GLA delivers 29 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.
You prefer a smaller footprint for easier city maneuvering, given the GLA is 173.6 inches long.
You desire the status associated with a Mercedes-Benz and are willing to pay the $43,000 starting MSRP.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need maximum hauling capacity, as the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You live in snowy or challenging conditions, benefiting from the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You want the best power output, as the Ascent boasts 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Subaru Ascent
Length	173.6"	196.8"
Width	72.2"	76.0"
Height	63.5"	71.6"
Wheelbase	107.4"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	11.6 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	—
Speaker System	—	6
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	—	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	60.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.5 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	245/60R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which vehicle is cheaper to run day-to-day regarding fuel?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is much cheaper to fuel regularly, offering a 29 MPG combined rating using premium unleaded. The Ascent only achieves 22 MPG combined and requires regular unleaded, but its higher consumption means more frequent trips to the pump.

Does the size difference between the 2025 GLA and the Ascent matter for storage?

Yes, size is a major factor; the Ascent has 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, which is over two cubic feet more than the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the Ascent is nearly 33 inches longer overall, making it much better for larger families or frequent hauling.

Why is the Subaru Ascent more powerful than the Mercedes GLA?

The Ascent is tuned for more raw power, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, while the GLA produces 221 horsepower. This power gap contributes to the Ascent's higher torque but results in slightly lower fuel economy figures.

Is the higher MSRP of the GLA justified by its standard drivetrain?

The GLA starts at $43,000 with standard Front-Wheel Drive, whereas the Ascent starts at $39,995 and includes standard All-Wheel Drive. If AWD is a priority, the GLA would cost significantly more once that option is added.

How does the transmission difference affect the driving experience?

The GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, often providing quicker, more direct shifts, while the Ascent uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency over aggressive shifts.

Which vehicle will cost less over the long term based on initial fuel requirements?

Assuming similar annual mileage, the Ascent is cheaper regarding fuel *type* (regular vs. premium) but the GLA will likely cost less in total fuel expenses due to its 7 MPG combined efficiency advantage.