2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

$43,000 · Crossover

$30,245 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The classic luxury vs. practicality showdown is front and center when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class against the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. If your primary concern is prestige and a bit more pep, the GLA starts at a hefty $43,000, nearly $13,000 more than the Tiguan's $30,245 base price. Power-wise, the Mercedes pulls ahead slightly with 221 hp versus the VW's 201 hp, though both achieve an identical combined 29 MPG. However, the Tiguan is significantly larger, offering 26.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's relatively tight 15.4 cu ft. While both use an 8-speed transmission, the Mercedes mandates premium fuel, whereas the Tiguan runs on regular unleaded, impacting long-term running costs despite the shared fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan offers more efficiency in running costs by using regular unleaded fuel compared to the GLA's premium requirement.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan wins easily for families due to its significantly larger 26.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 221 hp output and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan provides a massive $12,755 lower MSRP while offering superior utility and identical base MPG.

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

You prioritize brand prestige and are comfortable paying $43,000 for entry-level luxury.
You want the slight performance edge provided by 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a more compact exterior footprint, measuring 173.6 inches long, for easier city parking.

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...

You need maximum utility, benefiting from 26.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the competition's 15.4 cu ft.
You want to save over $12,700 upfront by choosing the $30,245 MSRP option.
You want to avoid the extra expense of using premium unleaded fuel on a daily basis.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Volkswagen Tiguan
Length	173.6"	184.4"
Width	72.2"	73.0"
Height	63.5"	66.1"
Wheelbase	107.4"	109.9"

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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted 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	201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	207 lb-ft @ 1500 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 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	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	377.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	14.5 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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.9 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	—	7

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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	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	—	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	215/65R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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 Tiguan.

Is the Mercedes GLA worth the extra cost over the VW Tiguan?

The $12,755 price difference is substantial; you must decide if the Mercedes badge, slightly better horsepower (221 hp vs 201 hp), and upscale feel justify sacrificing nearly 11 cubic feet of cargo space.

Which car is better for long road trips concerning luggage?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is the clear winner here, offering a practical 26.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Mercedes GLA is quite limited for a crossover, only providing 15.4 cu ft.

Do these two crossovers have the same fuel efficiency?

Surprisingly, yes, both achieve a combined 29 MPG (26 city/34 highway), but the GLA mandates premium fuel, which will increase your annual fuel expenditure compared to the Tiguan's regular unleaded requirement.

How do the driving dynamics compare between the two?

The GLA is designed to feel punchier, boasting 221 hp and using an 8-speed automated manual transmission. The Tiguan offers 201 hp with a traditional 8-speed automatic, suggesting a focus more on smooth, everyday operation rather than outright performance thrills.

Is the Tiguan significantly larger than the GLA?

Yes, the Tiguan is physically larger in every dimension, measuring 184.4 inches long and 66.1 inches high, making the GLA, at 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches high, feel much more compact in parking situations.