2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 GMC Acadia

$43,000 · Crossover

$43,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 GMC Acadia and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is power, with the Acadia boasting 328 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp—a substantial 107 hp advantage. Conversely, the GLA prioritizes efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG, representing a 6 MPG difference favoring the smaller Mercedes. Priced nearly identically at $43,000 (GLA) versus $43,700 (Acadia), the decision hinges on size and performance versus running costs. The Acadia offers substantially more space, measuring 204.0 inches long with 23 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the GLA's 173.6-inch length and 15.4 cu ft cargo area. Furthermore, the Acadia utilizes regular unleaded fuel while the GLA strictly requires premium unleaded, impacting long-term operating costs despite its higher initial MPG rating.

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 commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 GMC Acadia is superior for families, offering 23 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 GMC Acadia provides significantly higher performance metrics, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Car1 offers better efficiency and a lower MSRP ($43,000) while requiring only FWD, appealing to efficiency-focused buyers.

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

Fuel economy is paramount, as the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined versus the Acadia's 23 MPG.
You prioritize a smaller footprint for easier urban maneuvering, evidenced by its 173.6-inch length.
You desire the lower initial MSRP of $43,000 compared to the Acadia's $43,700.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

Maximum hauling capacity is necessary, as the Acadia provides 23 cu ft of cargo space against the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
High power output is essential, with the Acadia delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You wish to avoid the recurring cost of premium fuel, as the Acadia runs on regular unleaded.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	GMC Acadia
Length	173.6"	204.0"
Width	72.2"	79.6"
Height	63.5"	71.0"
Wheelbase	107.4"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

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

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
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.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Digital Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	15.0 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	GMC
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	62.0 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	—	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	62.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.4 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	GMC
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 GMC Acadia.

What is the main trade-off when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 GMC Acadia?

The main trade-off is efficiency versus size/power. The GLA offers 29 MPG combined, while the Acadia delivers 328 hp. You gain 107 more horsepower with the Acadia but sacrifice 6 MPG in fuel economy.

How does the required fuel type affect the long-term cost of owning the GLA versus the Acadia?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, which increases operational costs. The 2026 GMC Acadia, while less efficient overall, uses regular unleaded, potentially offsetting some of the mileage difference.

For maximizing interior utility, which crossover is superior based on specifications?

The 2026 GMC Acadia is significantly larger and more capable for hauling, offering 23 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class provides substantially less utility with only 15.4 cu ft of cargo space.

Is the higher horsepower of the Acadia substantial enough to overcome the GLA's more efficient transmission?

The Acadia produces 328 hp, which is a 48% increase over the GLA's 221 hp. While both use 8-speed transmissions, the Acadia's superior torque (326 lb-ft) translates to noticeably quicker acceleration metrics.

Are these two vehicles comparable in size, given their crossover segment classification?

No, the dimensions show a major size variance. The Acadia is 204.0 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, making it much larger than the GLA's 173.6-inch length and 72.2-inch width.

What is the difference in MSRP between these two front-wheel-drive crossovers?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at $43,000, while the 2026 GMC Acadia is listed at $43,700. This results in a very minor $700 price gap at entry point.