2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the compact luxury of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the substantial utility of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander can be tricky. The main dilemma often boils down to size versus prestige and efficiency. The GLA starts at an MSRP of $43,000, offering a nimble package at just 173.6 inches long, focusing on nimble city driving with a combined 29 MPG, though it mandates premium fuel. In contrast, the much larger Grand Highlander, priced slightly lower at $40,860, packs significantly more muscle with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp. While the Toyota sacrifices a bit of fuel economy (24 MPG combined), its massive 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, highlighting a fundamental difference in design philosophy: premium efficiency vs. family volume.
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 superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the clear choice for families thanks to its vastly superior 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander provides enthusiast appeal with notably higher power figures, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers substantially more space and power for a lower starting MSRP of $40,860.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize better fuel mileage, achieving 34 MPG highway.
- Your driving environment demands a smaller footprint (173.6 inches long).
- You prefer the luxury branding and the required use of premium unleaded fuel.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You frequently haul significant gear, benefiting from 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need more outright performance, utilizing the 265 hp engine.
- You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.3" |
| Height | 63.5" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 12.3 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 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.2 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 | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Is the Mercedes GLA small enough to be easy to park downtown?
Absolutely. At 173.6 inches long, the GLA is designed as a nimble crossover, making it significantly easier to maneuver and slot into tight parking spaces compared to the larger, 201.4-inch Toyota Grand Highlander.
How significant is the fuel cost difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is noticeable, with the GLA delivering 29 MPG combined versus the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG combined. However, the GLA requires expensive premium unleaded fuel, potentially negating some savings over time.
Does the Toyota Grand Highlander have significantly more interior power?
Yes, the Grand Highlander is clearly more powerful, generating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial 44 hp increase over the GLA's 221 hp.
Which vehicle offers more room for luggage?
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers vastly superior storage with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Mercedes GLA only provides 15.4 cubic feet.
Why is the Mercedes GLA's MSRP higher despite having less power?
The Mercedes GLA commands a higher MSRP of $43,000, reflecting its positioning as a luxury vehicle focused on premium interior appointments and higher efficiency figures, rather than raw horsepower.
Are the transmissions very different between these two models?
The GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, which can sometimes feel different in operation, whereas the Grand Highlander utilizes a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
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