2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Ford Bronco

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,495 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class sprints onto the scene emphasizing efficiency and refined luxury, boasting a competitive 29 MPG combined rating despite requiring premium fuel. Its agile 173.6-inch frame hides a smooth 221 hp engine, perfect for urban cruising. In stark contrast, the rugged 2026 Ford Bronco arrives with raw, untamed capability, slamming down 300 hp and a hefty 325 lb-ft of torque, making the GLA’s output feel modest. While the Bronco demands more fuel at just 19 MPG combined and features a traditional 7-speed manual transmission for driver engagement, the GLA offers an automated manual and superior highway economy at 34 MPG. The Bronco’s substantial 20.6 cu ft of cargo space also easily eclipses the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, highlighting a clear divergence in priorities between sophisticated efficiency and adventurous utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco offers superior utility for families with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Bronco

Off-road enthusiasts will prefer the Bronco for its 79 hp advantage, 325 lb-ft of torque, and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Bronco

The Bronco provides significantly more power and cargo space for a lower base MSRP of $40,495 against the GLA's $43,000 starting price.

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

You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 34 MPG on the highway while minimizing fuel stops.
You prefer the seamless shifting of an 8-speed automated manual transmission for daily driving.
You want a slightly smaller, nimbler footprint, measuring 173.6 inches long for easy city parking.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You need maximum hauling capability, utilizing the substantial 20.6 cu ft of standard cargo space.
You demand potent acceleration from 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the GLA’s 221 hp.
You seek driver involvement via the 7-speed manual transmission and standard four-wheel drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Ford Bronco
Length	173.6"	173.7"
Width	72.2"	75.9"
Height	63.5"	71.9"
Wheelbase	107.4"	100.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
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	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	300 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	325 lb-ft @ 3400 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	Ford
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	7-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	four wheel drive
4WD System Type	—	Part Time
Transfer Case Gearing	—	Electronic Hi-Lo
Locking Hubs	—	Automatic
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	18/21 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	304.2/354.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	16.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
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	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.0 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
Speaker System	—	7
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.1 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	—	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	51.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	43.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	255/70R16
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Steel
Wheel Diameter	—	16 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Full Size Matching
Spare Tire Location	—	Outside Rear Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Ford
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 Ford Bronco.

Is the fuel cost difference between the GLA and the Bronco significant?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined while the Bronco is rated at 19 MPG combined, meaning the GLA requires nearly 30% less fuel for the same distance.

Which vehicle offers better outright performance capabilities?

The 2026 Ford Bronco delivers superior raw power with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class produces 221 hp.

Does the Mercedes GLA offer a true manual transmission option?

No, the 2025 GLA-Class comes exclusively equipped with an 8-speed automated manual transmission, contrasting sharply with the Bronco's available 7-speed manual.

How much more space do families get with the Bronco over the GLA?

The Ford Bronco provides 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, giving families an extra 5.2 cubic feet compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class absolutely requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation, while the Ford Bronco only recommends it for optimal performance from its 300 hp engine.

Is the GLA much smaller than the Bronco in footprint?

They are nearly identical in length at 173.6 inches (GLA) and 173.7 inches (Bronco), but the Bronco is significantly wider (75.9 inches vs. 72.2 inches) and taller (71.9 inches vs. 63.5 inches).