2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$43,000 · Crossover

$46,820 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class bursts onto the scene with sharp German styling, delivering 221 hp from its premium unleaded engine, though its smaller footprint offers just 15.4 cu ft of cargo space. In stark contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid commands presence with its larger dimensions (194.9 inches long) and immediately appeals with superior fuel economy, achieving an impressive 35 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel. While the Mercedes starts at a lower $43,000 MSRP, it lags significantly in efficiency and power compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp output. The Highlander Hybrid's slightly higher starting price of $46,820 is offset by its superior 6 MPG advantage and standard AWD. Ultimately, the GLA champions style and maneuverability, while the Highlander dominates long-haul practicality and running costs in this segment crossover showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid’s outstanding 35 MPG combined fuel economy significantly lowers daily running costs for daily drivers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid is substantially larger in every dimension, offering more passenger comfort and slightly better cargo capacity at 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

While down on pure power, the GLA's tauter dimensions and rear-biased 8-speed automated manual transmission promise a more engaging, sporty driving dynamic than the CVT-equipped Highlander.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Despite a $3,820 higher initial cost, the Highlander Hybrid's 6 MPG better efficiency and use of cheaper regular unleaded fuel provide better long-term financial value.

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

You prioritize badge prestige and a distinctly European design language for $43,000.
You prefer navigating tight urban environments, benefiting from the GLA’s compact 173.6-inch length.
You value a quick-shifting 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT setup.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Saving money on fuel is paramount, leveraging its 35 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded.
You need the assurance of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
Maximum space is required, as the Highlander is nearly 21 inches longer than the GLA.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

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	243 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

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	17.1 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.6 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	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	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.
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

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.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
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	P235/65R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
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.
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 Highlander Hybrid.

How significant is the difference in required fuel type between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class strictly mandates premium unleaded fuel, adding to its ownership cost, whereas the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid efficiently runs on cheaper regular unleaded. This difference directly impacts the running costs beyond the MPG rating.

Which vehicle offers a better performance advantage despite one being a hybrid?

The Highlander Hybrid produces a total of 243 hp, exceeding the GLA-Class’s 221 hp output, suggesting quicker acceleration off the line. However, the GLA is significantly smaller and lighter, which influences agility.

Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class small enough to avoid maneuverability issues in cities?

At 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide, the GLA is a genuinely compact crossover, making it easier to parallel park and weave through traffic than the much broader 2025 Highlander Hybrid.

Does the lower starting price of the GLA make it the clear value winner?

While the GLA starts $3,820 cheaper at $43,000, the Highlander Hybrid’s massive fuel economy advantage—a 6 MPG difference combined—and standard AWD generally recoup that initial price difference over several years.

How does the cargo area compare for utility needs?

The Highlander Hybrid offers a superior 16 cu ft of dedicated cargo space, slightly beating the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft, which is expected given the Highlander's substantial advantage in overall length (194.9 inches vs. 173.6 inches).

What drivetrain differences affect winter driving performance?

The standard drivetrain for the GLA is Front Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Highlander Hybrid’s standard All Wheel Drive system, making the Toyota inherently better equipped for inclement weather and slippery conditions right out of the box.