2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$43,000 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

So, you're stuck between needing premium efficiency for the daily grind or craving the extra size and muscle for weekend trips? That's the classic dilemma when looking at the agile 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ($43,000 MSRP) versus the substantial 2026 Buick Enclave ($46,200 MSRP). The GLA keeps things tight and efficient, boasting a 29 MPG combined rating while only demanding premium fuel. In contrast, the Enclave leans into power, delivering a stout 328 hp and handling regular unleaded, though it dips to 23 MPG combined. Size matters significantly; the Enclave stretches 207.6 inches long with 22.9 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLA's 173.6-inch length and 15.4 cu ft capacity. While the Mercedes offers better city mileage at 26 MPG, the Buick’s 107 extra horsepower makes long highway stretches far punchier.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave is the clear family choice, offering significantly more usable space with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts will prefer the Buick Enclave's substantial power advantage, generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque over the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Although $3,200 cheaper, the GLA also demands premium fuel, making the Enclave's use of regular unleaded a better long-term value proposition for many, despite its higher initial cost.

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

You prioritize city fuel economy, as the GLA achieves 26 MPG in the city.
You want to save $3,200 upfront with an MSRP of $43,000.
You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint, measuring only 173.6 inches in length, for easier urban parking.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You frequently haul cargo, benefiting from the Enclave's robust 22.9 cu ft capacity.
You prefer standard engine power, as the Enclave offers 328 hp, significantly more than the GLA’s 221 hp.
You want to save money on fuel stops by using regular unleaded instead of the premium required by the GLA.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Buick Enclave
Length	173.6"	207.6"
Width	72.2"	79.6"
Height	63.5"	71.0"
Wheelbase	107.4"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
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 Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
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	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	30.0 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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Speaker System	—	12
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	62.2 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	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	58.7 in.
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	62.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	P255/55R20
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Buick Enclave.

Does the Mercedes GLA require premium fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class specifically requires premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. This contrasts with the 2026 Buick Enclave, which is designed to run on regular unleaded.

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

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers significantly more storage, boasting 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is considerably tighter, providing only 15.4 cubic feet.

Is the GLA more efficient on the highway than the Enclave?

Yes, the GLA is the more efficient choice on the highway, rated at 34 MPG highway compared to the Enclave's 27 MPG highway rating.

What is the power difference between these two crossovers?

The Buick Enclave holds a significant power advantage, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The GLA produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

How do the physical dimensions compare for parking in tight spots?

The GLA is the more compact vehicle, measuring 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. The Enclave is substantially larger at 207.6 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, making it trickier to maneuver in small garages or parallel spots.

Which vehicle offers better value considering the price difference?

While the GLA is $3,200 cheaper at $43,000, the Enclave offers 107 more horsepower and uses cheaper regular fuel, which might offset its higher $46,200 starting price over several years of ownership.