2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$43,000 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the nimble 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the spacious 2025 Volkswagen Atlas often comes down to prioritizing size versus sophistication. Many buyers grapple with this trade-off. The GLA starts at a higher MSRP of $43,000 and offers superior efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG, though it demands premium fuel. Conversely, the Atlas boasts significantly more muscle with 269 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, and uses less expensive regular unleaded gasoline. While the Atlas is much larger (200.7 inches long), its fuel economy dips to 22 MPG combined. The smaller Mercedes packs just 15.4 cu ft of cargo space, falling short of the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft, highlighting a clear division between premium compact agility and everyday utility.

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 significantly better combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and smaller footprint for easier city parking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas is the clear family choice, offering substantially more utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas provides better raw utility and power for $4,800 less, making it the superior overall value proposition.

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

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG on the highway versus the Atlas's 26 MPG.
You prefer a more compact vehicle, with the GLA measuring 173.6 inches in length for easier maneuverability.
You value premium branding, despite the GLA's $43,000 starting MSRP.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You need maximum hauling capacity, as the Atlas offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
You want more power immediately, benefiting from the Atlas's 269 hp output.
You wish to save money on operational costs by using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	173.6"	200.7"
Width	72.2"	78.3"
Height	63.5"	70.4"
Wheelbase	107.4"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.0 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	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.5 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	58.4 in.
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	60.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.6 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	245/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Does the difference in horsepower significantly affect city driving between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Atlas has 48 more horsepower (269 hp vs. 221 hp), which gives it a distinct advantage in merging and acceleration compared to the GLA. However, the GLA’s smaller size makes navigating tight city streets easier.

What is the real-world impact of the fuel type requirement?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA requires premium unleaded, which adds to its running costs, whereas the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas accepts regular unleaded. This difference, combined with the GLA’s better 29 MPG vs. the Atlas's 22 MPG combined, balances out the yearly fuel budget differently.

How much bigger is the cargo area in the Atlas compared to the GLA?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers significantly more utility with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA trails behind considerably with only 15.4 cubic feet available.

Is the price difference of nearly $5,000 justified by the features of the GLA?

The GLA starts at $43,000 while the Atlas is $38,200. You are paying more for the GLA's greater fuel efficiency and potential luxury appointments, as the Atlas offers more power and space for the lower price.

Which vehicle is better suited for long highway road trips?

The GLA offers superior highway MPG at 34 MPG, which might lead to fewer stops. However, the Atlas's larger overall dimensions (200.7 inches long) may provide a more substantial ride quality.

Are the transmissions functionally different, even if both are 8-speed units?

Yes, the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, often prioritizing faster shifts, while the Atlas uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically focuses more on smooth, traditional shifting characteristics.