2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between compact luxury and massive hybrid utility often plagues buyers looking for a do-it-all crossover. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is small and stylish, starting at $43,000, but its premium fuel requirement and lower efficiency (29 combined MPG) might sting daily drivers. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid commands a slightly higher MSRP of $44,210 but immediately rewards buyers with an excellent 36 combined MPG and the flexibility of using regular unleaded fuel. While the GLA offers 221 hp, the Grand Highlander Hybrid packs a punch with 245 hp, making it surprisingly quick despite its larger footprint (201.4 inches long). The biggest tangible difference is cargo space: the Toyota boasts 20.6 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 15.4 cu ft, signaling a significant utility gap between these two crossovers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG, drastically reducing fuel stops.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The larger dimensions and 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity make the Grand Highlander Hybrid significantly better for family hauling than the compact GLA.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Although the Mercedes is sportier looking, the Grand Highlander Hybrid offers more horsepower at 245 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Despite a marginally higher initial price, the Grand Highlander Hybrid's impressive fuel economy and use of regular unleaded fuel promise lower long-term running costs.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize a smaller footprint; the GLA is only 173.6 inches long, making city parking easier.
- You prefer the driving dynamics and feel associated with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You value the prestige and styling associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, even in their entry-level crossover.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- You need maximum utility, as the Grand Highlander provides 20.6 cu ft of cargo room versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
- You want to save money on fuel by achieving 36 combined MPG and using regular unleaded instead of premium.
- You require the added traction and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.3" |
| Height | 63.5" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 636.4/584.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 17.2 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Hybrid.
Is the Mercedes GLA or the Grand Highlander Hybrid more powerful?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid edges out the Mercedes with 245 horsepower compared to the GLA's 221 horsepower. Although the GLA has a slight torque advantage at 258 lb-ft versus the Toyota's implied lower figure, the power difference suggests the Grand Highlander Hybrid is slightly quicker overall.
Which vehicle is significantly better on gas for my daily commute?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner here, achieving 36 combined MPG, while the Mercedes GLA manages only 29 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Toyota runs on regular unleaded, whereas the Mercedes requires more expensive premium fuel.
If I frequently carry gear, how much difference in storage space is there?
There is a substantial difference: the Grand Highlander Hybrid offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row. In contrast, the smaller GLA maxes out at 15.4 cubic feet, meaning the Toyota easily swallows 5.2 more cubic feet of luggage or groceries.
Are these vehicles similar in size, especially for garage parking?
Not at all; the Grand Highlander Hybrid is significantly larger, measuring 201.4 inches long and 78.3 inches wide. The GLA is classified as a compact, fitting neatly at only 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide, which is much easier to maneuver and park.
What are the key powertrain differences between the two?
The GLA uses a conventional 8-speed automated manual transmission sending power through FWD, whereas the Grand Highlander Hybrid employs a Continuously Variable-speed Automatic (CVT) transmission with standard AWD.
Which one offers a better initial price point?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has a lower entry MSRP at $43,000. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts slightly higher at $44,210 before any optional packages are added.
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