2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Honda Passport

$43,000 · Crossover

$44,750 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class bursts onto the scene with sophisticated European styling and impressive efficiency, boasting a 29 MPG combined rating, though its 221 hp output keeps performance firmly in the entry-luxury realm. Conversely, the rugged 2026 Honda Passport flexes significant muscle with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, ready for adventure with standard All-Wheel Drive and a cavernous 44 cu ft of cargo space. The trade-off is substantial; the Passport guzzles fuel, achieving only 21 MPG combined compared to the GLA’s thriftiness. While the GLA starts cheaper at $43,000 versus the Passport's $44,750, the Passport offers a staggering 64 hp advantage. This comparison pits polished, fuel-sipping urban finesse against brawny, utility-focused capability, making the choice dependent on priorities: economy or raw power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Passport's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport provides immense utility for families, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 44 cu ft compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

Enthusiasts will prefer the Passport for its substantial 285 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive system over the GLA's 221 hp FWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Despite the higher MSRP of car2, the GLA offers superior fuel efficiency (29 MPG vs 21 MPG) for the price, making running costs significantly lower.

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

You prioritize running costs and frequently drive in the city, leveraging the 26 MPG city rating.
You appreciate premium brand cachet and handling a compact footprint (173.6 inches long).
You prefer required premium unleaded fuel performance paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You require maximum hauling capability, given the massive 44 cu ft cargo capacity.
You need immediate, robust power, benefiting from the 285 hp engine.
All-weather capability is crucial, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Honda Passport
Length	173.6"	191.5"
Width	72.2"	79.4"
Height	63.5"	73.1"
Wheelbase	107.4"	113.6"

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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	351.5/462.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.5 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	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.3 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	—	225W
Speaker System	—	9
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.9 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	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	61.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	265/60R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 Passport.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Honda Passport than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The Passport holds a significant advantage in outright power, producing 285 hp, which is 64 hp more than the GLA-Class’s 221 hp output. This difference is complemented by the Passport’s 10-speed automatic transmission assisting in putting that power down.

Which vehicle is the better choice for long-distance, cost-conscious driving?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is substantially more efficient for cost-conscious travel, delivering 34 MPG on the highway compared to the Passport's 25 MPG highway figure. This 8 MPG combined efficiency gap means fewer stops at the pump.

Does the difference in size impact usability between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Passport is significantly larger, measuring 191.5 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, and it offers nearly triple the cargo space (44 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft), making the Passport superior for large families or gear hauling.

Are there differences in required fuel type that affect ownership costs?

The GLA-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel for its engine, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the Honda Passport, affecting long-term operational expenses.

What is the main drivetrain difference influencing on-road behavior?

The GLA is front-wheel drive (FWD) paired with an 8-speed automated manual, while the Passport utilizes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a 10-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting the Passport will offer better traction in poor conditions.