2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class thrills with its efficiency and premium badge, sipping fuel to achieve a combined 29 MPG while offering 221 hp. Conversely, the colossal 2026 Honda Ridgeline flexes its muscles with a substantial 280 hp and standard AWD capability, though it drinks more fuel at 21 MPG combined. This comparison pits compact luxury agility against robust utility; the GLA boasts a tiny footprint at just 173.6 inches long, perfectly suited for urban agility. The Ridgeline dwarfs it at 210.2 inches, offering vastly different proportions. While the GLA requires costly premium unleaded, the Ridgeline runs on regular fuel. The 8 MPG advantage in efficiency strongly favors the Mercedes for consistent mileage, contrasting sharply with the Ridgeline's 59 hp surge over the Benz.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class dominates the commute with significantly better fuel economy at 29 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline, being substantially larger at 210.2 inches long and offering greater overall height (70.8 inches), provides superior passenger and cargo volume for family needs, despite its smaller listed cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

Enthusiasts will favor the Ridgeline due to its 280 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive capability compared to the GLA's 221 hp FWD configuration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offers substantially more horsepower (280 hp vs 221 hp) and standard AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $40,595.

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

You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 34 MPG on the highway while spending less per gallon on regular unleaded fuel.
Your driving environment demands ultimate agility, benefited by the GLA's compact 173.6-inch length and tight turning radius.
The prestige and premium feel associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge are primary purchasing factors for you.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require brute force, capitalizing on the Ridgeline's superior 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Standard All-Wheel Drive is non-negotiable for your varied driving conditions.
You need the benefits of a truck bed, even if the listed 7.3 cu ft is smaller than the SUV's storage area.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Honda Ridgeline
Length	173.6"	210.2"
Width	72.2"	78.6"
Height	63.5"	70.8"
Wheelbase	107.4"	125.2"

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	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	19.5 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	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	—	215W
Speaker System	—	7
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	62.0 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	—	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	61.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	56.6 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Honda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	245/60R
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 Ridgeline.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 GLA-Class and the 2026 Ridgeline?

The difference is substantial; the GLA-Class achieves a combined 29 MPG, whereas the Ridgeline is rated lower at 21 MPG combined. This equates to an 8 MPG advantage for the Mercedes, making it far cheaper to run daily.

Which vehicle offers better performance metrics for spirited driving?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, boasting 280 hp—a 59 hp advantage over the GLA-Class's 221 hp. Furthermore, the Ridgeline features standard AWD for enhanced traction.

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

Yes, dramatically. The Ridgeline is over 36 inches longer than the GLA-Class (210.2 inches vs. 173.6 inches), which translates to a much larger presence, potentially making the GLA easier to park in tight urban spots.

Are there major differences in the fuel requirements for these models?

Absolutely; the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel, while the more powerful 2026 Honda Ridgeline runs efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.

Comparing MSRP, which vehicle delivers better initial bang for the buck?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the better value proposition on paper, starting at $40,595 while delivering superior horsepower (280 hp) compared to the GLA-Class starting at $43,000 with only 221 hp.

Which vehicle has the most accommodating transmission setup?

The Ridgeline utilizes a more traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the GLA-Class uses an 8-speed automated manual, which may appeal differently to drivers prioritizing engagement versus smoothness.