2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the 107 horsepower gap, with the Traverse producing 328 hp compared to the GLA-Class’s 221 hp. This power difference is reflected in efficiency, as the GLA-Class achieves 29 combined MPG versus the Traverse’s 23 combined MPG, a 6 MPG advantage. Pricing is close, though the larger Traverse starts slightly lower at $40,800 compared to the GLA’s $43,000 MSRP. The Traverse’s substantial size advantage is evident in its 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, easily overshadowing the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft. While the Mercedes demands premium unleaded fuel, the Traverse runs on regular, influencing long-term operational costs. The Traverse also delivers significantly more torque at 326 lb-ft against the GLA’s 258 lb-ft, suggesting superior pulling power despite the lower fuel economy.

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

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the definitive choice for families, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 22.9 cu ft compared to 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts favor the Traverse because it delivers a commanding 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the GLA’s outputs.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse provides superior space and power for a lower entry price point of $40,800 versus the GLA's $43,000 MSRP.

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

Maximum fuel efficiency is the priority, as the GLA achieves 34 highway MPG while using premium unleaded fuel.
A smaller, more maneuverable footprint is needed, with the GLA measuring 173.6 inches in length versus the Traverse’s 204.5 inches.
Operating costs related to fuel type are manageable, as the GLA requires premium unleaded gasoline.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

Maximum utility is required, indicated by the Traverse’s 22.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
Higher peak performance is desired, evidenced by the Traverse's 328 hp engine output.
A lower entry cost is necessary, as the Traverse starts at $40,800, which is $2,200 less than the GLA.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	173.6"	204.5"
Width	72.2"	79.6"
Height	63.5"	69.6"
Wheelbase	107.4"	121.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	17.7 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
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	62.3 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	—	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	62.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	255/65R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Chevrolet
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 Chevrolet Traverse.

What is the primary operational cost difference between the two crossovers?

The primary operational cost difference lies in fuel requirements and efficiency; the GLA-Class mandates expensive premium unleaded fuel and delivers 29 MPG combined, whereas the Traverse uses regular unleaded and achieves 23 MPG combined.

How significant is the size difference for physical hauling between the 2025 GLA and 2026 Traverse?

The size difference is substantial: the Traverse is over 30 inches longer (204.5 in vs. 173.6 in) and offers nearly 8 more cubic feet of cargo space (22.9 cu ft vs. 15.4 cu ft), making the Traverse significantly more practical for hauling.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience based on the provided specifications?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is specified as the enthusiast choice due to its 107 hp advantage over the GLA-Class (328 hp vs. 221 hp) and its greater torque output (326 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft).

Are both vehicles front-wheel drive platforms?

Yes, according to the provided specifications, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse utilize a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration as standard.

How do the MSRPs compare, considering the performance disparity?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has a lower MSRP of $40,800, despite offering 107 more horsepower than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which starts at $43,000.

What are the gearbox differences between the GLA-Class and the Traverse?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, while the Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.