2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Buick Envision

$43,000 · Crossover

$41,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the stylish, efficient 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the roomier, AWD 2026 Buick Envision often comes down to prioritizing premium badge cachet versus outright practicality. The GLA starts at $43,000, slightly pricier than the Envision's $41,000 MSRP, but it pays dividends in fuel savings, delivering a combined 29 MPG versus the Buick's 24 MPG, thanks in part to the GLA’s lighter, FWD configuration. While both offer comparable power—the Envision leads slightly with 228 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp—the disparity in space is significant; the Envision boasts a cavernous 25.2 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLA's modest 15.4 cu ft capacity. Furthermore, the GLA mandates premium unleaded fuel for its 221 hp, whereas the Envision only recommends it, potentially lowering long-term running costs despite the 5 MPG difference in fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Envision

The 2026 Envision is the clear family choice, offering significantly more usable space with 25.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Envision

Enthusiasts might prefer the Envision for its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and slightly higher output of 228 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Envision

The Buick Envision offers better immediate value with a lower $41,000 MSRP and standard AWD over the Mercedes' $43,000 starting price and FWD setup.

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

You prioritize lower running costs and travel long distances, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG highway.
You prefer the smaller footprint for easier city navigation (173.6 inches long).
The prestige and luxury feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand are non-negotiable for you.

Choose the Buick Envision if...

Hauling gear or luggage is a priority, given the Envision's substantial 25.2 cu ft cargo area.
You need the enhanced traction of All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
You want an 8-speed automated manual transmission that is often smoother than the Envision’s 9-speed shiftable automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Buick Envision
Length	173.6"	182.7"
Width	72.2"	74.1"
Height	63.5"	64.6"
Wheelbase	107.4"	109.0"

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	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
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	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	258 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	22/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	354.2/450.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	16.1 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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate 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	—	9
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.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 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	2
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	—	55.1 in.
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	47.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	P235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside 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 Envision.

How much more fuel efficient is the Mercedes GLA compared to the Buick Envision?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class holds a clear advantage in efficiency, delivering 29 MPG combined. This is a 5 MPG difference when compared to the 2026 Buick Envision, which achieves 24 MPG combined.

Does the Buick Envision have more room inside than the Mercedes GLA?

Yes, significantly so; the Envision is designed for more cargo, offering 25.2 cubic feet of storage space. In contrast, the GLA's rear cargo capacity is noticeably tighter at only 15.4 cubic feet.

Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel?

The Mercedes GLA strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 221 hp engine. The Buick Envision, while producing 228 hp, only lists premium unleaded as recommended, which could lead to lower refueling costs.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2026 Buick Envision starts at $41,000, making it $2,000 less expensive than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which begins at $43,000 MSRP.

Which crossover handles light foul weather better?

The 2026 Buick Envision is better equipped for poor weather because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The Mercedes GLA is configured in Front Wheel Drive for its base model.

Are the horsepower figures similar between these two crossovers?

They are quite close; the Buick Envision edges out the Mercedes GLA slightly with 228 horsepower versus the GLA's 221 horsepower, though both deliver the same 258 lb-ft of torque.