2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium compact luxury and massive mainstream utility is a classic crossover dilemma. If your budget tops out around the $43,000 mark, you're looking at the nimble 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ($43,000 MSRP) versus the significantly larger 2026 Hyundai Palisade ($39,435 MSRP). While the Palisade dominates in size, offering 19.1 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's tight 15.4 cu ft, it consumes more fuel, netting only 21 MPG combined, whereas the smaller GLA achieves 29 MPG combined—an 8 MPG difference. Interestingly, the Palisade delivers a punchier 287 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, though both feature comparable torque figures (260 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft). The price spread is only $3,565, but that difference dictates entirely different ownership experiences.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class is the clear winner for daily commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 29 MPG combined and smaller footprint for easier city parking.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is superior for families because its larger dimensions provide substantially more usable passenger and cargo space, making road trips easier.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Palisade's higher output of 287 horsepower, despite the fuel penalty.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers significantly more size and power for a lower MSRP of $39,435 compared to the GLA-Class's $43,000 starting price.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel savings and can leverage the 29 MPG combined rating.
- You need a compact size, with the GLA measuring only 173.6 inches long for city driving.
- You prefer the lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel requirements.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You require maximum utility, taking advantage of the 19.1 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You need more raw power delivered by its 287 horsepower engine.
- You want to save $3,565 upfront, as the Palisade has a lower MSRP of $39,435.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 199.2" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 116.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 260 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 61.4 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 | — | 58.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.7 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/65R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Which car costs more to run in terms of fuel?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is much cheaper to fuel, offering 29 MPG combined versus the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, while the Palisade accepts regular unleaded, which can be a slight offset if premium fuel prices are very high.
How much bigger is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The Palisade is substantially larger; it is 199.2 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This size difference translates to more interior and cargo volume, making the Palisade feel much roomier.
Is the Mercedes GLA powerful enough for highway merging?
The GLA produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate for most driving situations, but it is significantly less powerful than the Palisade's 287 hp output.
What is the primary advantage of the Palisade's drivetrain?
The Palisade uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with a more powerful engine (287 hp). In contrast, the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission with its 221 hp engine.
Are both vehicles front-wheel drive standard?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are equipped with front-wheel drive as their standard configuration.
Which vehicle offers better value considering performance and price?
The Palisade generally offers better value, starting at $39,435 with 287 hp, significantly undercutting the GLA's $43,000 MSRP while delivering more power.
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