2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Dodge Durango
Comparison Overview
Choosing between compact luxury and three-row utility often stumps buyers: do you prioritize efficiency and premium feel or sheer size and muscle? The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class enters at an MSRP of $43,000 with a respectable 29 MPG combined, aiming squarely at urban maneuverability thanks to its shorter 173.6-inch length. Conversely, the 2026 Dodge Durango boasts 295 hp, significantly more than the GLA's 221 hp, though it pays for that power with lower efficiency at just 20 MPG combined. The Durango also offers more room with 17.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA demands premium fuel, the Durango runs on regular unleaded, potentially saving money despite its lower MPG figures. The $4,005 price gap favors the Durango initially, but long-term running costs related to fuel type and efficiency will shift the ledger.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller exterior dimensions for easier city parking.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Durango offers more utility with a slightly larger 17.2 cu ft cargo capacity and substantially more passenger space, despite not having the third-row specification listed.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Durango is the choice for performance seekers, delivering 74 more horsepower (295 hp vs. 221 hp) to pull ahead.
2026 Dodge Durango
Despite the GLA's better MPG, the Durango's lower $38,995 MSRP and requirement for less expensive regular unleaded fuel give it a perceived edge in upfront and short-term value.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel savings, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
- You frequently navigate tight city streets and prefer the smaller footprint of the 173.6-inch length.
- You desire a luxury badge and the specific shifting characteristics of the 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Maximum power is crucial, as the Durango offers 295 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp.
- You need slightly more hauling room, benefiting from 17.2 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to save immediately on fuel costs by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 72.2" | 75.8" |
| Height | 63.5" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 119.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 442.8/615.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 24.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.5 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 | — | 57.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 265/60R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Dodge Durango.
How significant is the power difference between the GLA-Class and the Durango?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Dodge Durango offers 295 hp, which is a massive 74 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 221 hp rating.
Which vehicle will cost less to run daily regarding fuel economy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is far more efficient, delivering 29 MPG combined, while the more powerful Dodge Durango is rated at only 20 MPG combined.
Is the extra size of the Durango worth the penalty in efficiency?
If cargo is key, the Durango provides 17.2 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. However, that added space comes at the cost of 9 MPG and a much larger body size for urban driving.
Does the difference in required fuel type impact the overall cost?
Yes, the GLA requires premium unleaded, which is inherently more expensive than the regular unleaded accepted by the Durango, potentially offsetting some of the GLA's MPG advantage.
How much more expensive is the base GLA compared to the Durango?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at an MSRP of $43,000, making it $4,005 pricier than the 2026 Dodge Durango's starting MSRP of $38,995.
Which vehicle is better suited for maneuvering in tight parking lots?
The GLA-Class is much better suited due to its compact crossover size, measuring only 173.6 inches long, compared to the significantly larger 200.8-inch length of the Durango.
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