2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$43,000 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the nimble luxury feel of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the spacious practicality of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boils down to priorities. The GLA asks for a $43,000 investment upfront, compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's lower $37,190 MSRP, a difference of $5,810. If efficiency is paramount for your daily commute, the GLA's 29 MPG combined easily surpasses the Atlas’s 23 MPG combined, though the Mercedes requires premium fuel. Conversely, the VW brings significantly more muscle with 269 hp versus the GLA’s 221 hp, and offers over double the utility with 40.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft. These contrasting figures—power, size, efficiency, and price—define the choice between premium agility and mainstream volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear family winner because it offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the GLA’s space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Enthusiasts will favor the Atlas Cross Sport for its higher output of 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport delivers better overall utility and power for a substantially lower starting price of $37,190.

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

You prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Atlas's 26 MPG highway.
You prefer the prestige and potentially higher-grade interior feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Your driving involves tighter city streets where the GLA's smaller 173.6-inch length is easier to maneuver.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You need substantial storage, given the Atlas Cross Sport’s massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You frequently use regular unleaded fuel, saving money compared to the GLA’s requirement for premium unleaded.
You want the most power for your money, enjoying the Atlas's 269 hp versus the GLA’s 221 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	173.6"	195.6"
Width	72.2"	78.3"
Height	63.5"	68.1"
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	—	✓
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	23 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	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

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.	39.4 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.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	60.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.7 in.

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 Cross Sport.

Which crossover is more expensive to fuel, the GLA-Class or the Atlas Cross Sport?

The GLA-Class is more expensive to fuel because it strictly requires premium unleaded gasoline, whereas the Atlas Cross Sport runs on regular unleaded. Additionally, the GLA achieves only 29 MPG combined compared to the VW’s 23 MPG combined.

How much of a difference is there in size and utility between these two vehicles?

The Atlas Cross Sport is significantly larger; it measures 195.6 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This results in a cargo capacity difference of over 25 cubic feet (40.3 cu ft vs. 15.4 cu ft).

Is the Mercedes GLA-Class underpowered compared to the VW Atlas Cross Sport?

Yes, the GLA’s 221 horsepower is considerably less than the Atlas Cross Sport’s 269 horsepower, giving the VW a noticeable 48 hp advantage in straight-line performance.

What is the initial price gap between the Mercedes GLA and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

The MSRP difference is substantial, with the GLA starting at $43,000 and the Atlas Cross Sport at $37,190, creating a price gap of $5,810 in favor of the Volkswagen.

Do both vehicles use similar transmissions?

While both have 8-speed transmissions, they operate differently: the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, while the Atlas Cross Sport utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Which vehicle has better highway mileage for long trips?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the more efficient choice for highway driving, achieving an EPA-estimated 34 MPG highway compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 26 MPG highway.