2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium polish and everyday practicality often boils down to budget versus badge appeal. The 2026 Honda CR-V enters this fight with serious practicality, offering a massive 39.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mercedes GLA-Class's tight 15.4 cu ft. The GLA counters with a more spirited powertrain, putting out 221 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp, which might matter if you enjoy merging onto highways. However, the upfront cost is a huge factor: the CR-V starts at $30,920 while the GLA demands $43,000—a $12,080 difference. While the GLA gains a slight edge in combined efficiency at 29 MPG versus the CR-V's 30 MPG, the CR-V allows for cheaper regular unleaded fuel, keeping long-term running costs down for the family hauler.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V's slightly better combined MPG of 30 and use of regular unleaded fuel make it cheaper for daily driving.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides nearly three times the utility with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes GLA offers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the CR-V's 190 hp rating.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is $12,080 less expensive upfront and still offers great efficiency, making it the superior financial choice.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize luxury feel and need the extra 31 horsepower advantage (221 hp vs 190 hp).
- You only need slightly less fuel (29 combined MPG vs 30 combined MPG) but require premium maintenance.
- You prefer the precise shifting feel of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You need maximum utility, as the CR-V offers a massive 39.3 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to save $12,080 on the initial purchase price ($30,920 vs $43,000).
- You prefer to run on cheaper regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded gasoline.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 184.8" |
| Width | 72.2" | 73.5" |
| Height | 63.5" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 9.0 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 | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Speaker System | — | 4 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.9 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 | — | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.6 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/65R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Honda CR-V.
How much larger is the 2026 Honda CR-V than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The CR-V is noticeably larger in all dimensions, being 11.2 inches longer overall (184.8 inches vs 173.6 inches). This translates directly into much more interior room and a significantly larger 39.3 cu ft cargo area compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
Is the premium fuel requirement of the GLA worth the extra horsepower?
The GLA delivers 221 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp, making it quicker. However, you must factor in the recurring cost of premium fuel for the GLA versus the CR-V's ability to run on regular unleaded, which affects long-term running expenses.
Which crossover handles highway driving better based on specs?
While the GLA is more powerful, the CR-V offers marginally better combined fuel economy at 30 MPG versus the GLA's 29 MPG. Both are front-wheel-drive, but the CR-V’s larger size might offer more stability at speed.
What is the biggest financial differentiator between these two models?
The MSRP is the largest gap, with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starting at $43,000, which is $12,080 more than the 2026 Honda CR-V's starting price of $30,920.
Are the transmissions significantly different for city driving?
Yes, the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, known for quick shifts, whereas the CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which generally provides smoother, gearless acceleration well-suited for stop-and-go traffic.
How does the exterior bulk compare between the two crossovers?
The CR-V is wider at 73.5 inches compared to the GLA's 72.2 inches, and it is also taller at 66.2 inches versus 63.5 inches, giving the CR-V a more substantial on-road presence.
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