2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class immediately captivates with its premium cabin polish and nimble footprint, offering a refined urban experience focused on efficiency, netting a combined 29 MPG while demanding premium fuel. Contrast this with the sheer muscle of the 2025 Toyota Highlander, which delivers a robust 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, instantly appealing to drivers needing more grunt, even if its efficiency drops to 25 MPG combined. The GLA, priced at $43,000, leans into luxury driving dynamics despite its modest 221 hp and tighter 15.4 cu ft of cargo space. Meanwhile, the Highlander, starting lower at $40,320, offers superior utility in its larger dimensions (194.9 inches long) and slightly more hauling ability, presenting a compelling case for power over prestige in the compact crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The larger Toyota Highlander offers more inherent space and substantial power for family hauling, despite its marginally smaller quoted cargo capacity (16 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft for the GLA).
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander’s superior output of 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque provides a far more spirited driving experience than the GLA's 221 hp.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander provides significantly more horsepower for a lower initial MSRP of $40,320 compared to the GLA's $43,000 price tag.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and can consistently achieve higher mileage, benefiting from the GLA's 34 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle for navigating tight city streets, as the GLA is significantly shorter at 173.6 inches.
- You desire the prestige and finely tuned dynamics associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge, even with only 221 hp.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You require raw acceleration and hauling capability afforded by the Highlander's 44 horsepower advantage (265 hp vs 221 hp).
- You prefer to save money on fuel by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of the GLA's required premium fuel.
- You value usable power combined with a lower entry price point, costing $2,680 less than the base GLA.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 194.9" |
| Width | 72.2" | 76.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 112.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 17.9 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 | 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 |
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. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 59.0 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 | — | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.7 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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P235/65R V |
| 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 | 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 Highlander.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Highlander compared to the 2025 GLA-Class?
The Toyota Highlander delivers a significant performance edge with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, overshadowing the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This 44 hp difference means the Highlander will feel notably quicker in most driving situations.
Which vehicle is more economical to run day-to-day?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is more economical regarding mileage, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 25 combined MPG. However, remember the GLA mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel, which could offset some savings.
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander significantly larger than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Yes, the Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This extra length likely contributes to the Highlander's slightly superior stated cargo capacity of 16 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in transmission between these two crossovers?
While both use 8-speed units, the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual optimized for efficiency and quick shifts, whereas the Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, better suited to managing its higher torque output.
Considering the MSRP, which vehicle offers better performance per dollar?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers better raw performance value, starting at $40,320 for 265 hp, while the $43,000 GLA provides less power at 221 hp. The price gap combined with the power deficit tilts the value metric toward Toyota.
Do both vehicles require the same type of fuel?
No, they have different requirements; the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which is typically less expensive at the pump.
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