2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$43,000 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe lies in their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), separated by an $8,200 difference ($43,000 for the GLA versus $34,800 for the Santa Fe). Performance favors the Santa Fe, which boasts 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Conversely, the GLA demonstrates superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined, though the Mercedes mandates premium unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the Santa Fe is substantially larger, measuring 190.2 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. However, the GLA offers slightly more internal storage at 15.4 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft cargo capacity, highlighting a trade-off between luxury pricing and outright power/size.

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 Santa Fe's 24 MPG, which lowers daily operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the superior family vehicle due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions, specifically its 190.2-inch length.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers superior output for performance driving, generating 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a $8,200 lower MSRP and greater power output for the entry price point, establishing better baseline value.

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

Your primary concern is minimizing trips to the gas station, utilizing its 34 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a more compact footprint, evidenced by its 173.6-inch length versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches.
You prioritize the prestige and engineering associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand despite the $43,000 MSRP.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Maximum usable space is required, as its larger body accommodates more passengers and cargo volume (though capacity is close).
You require the higher power output of 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque for acceleration.
Budget constraint is key, saving $8,200 upfront with an MSRP of $34,800 while using less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	173.6"	190.2"
Width	72.2"	74.8"
Height	63.5"	67.7"
Wheelbase	107.4"	110.8"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
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	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	311 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	17.7 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate 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	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	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	—	56.5 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.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	54.9 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 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/60R18
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 Santa Fe.

How does the required fuel type affect the long-term ownership cost between these two models?

The 2025 GLA-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the Santa Fe. This extra cost compounds the fuel penalty associated with the GLA's slightly lower 29 MPG combined rating.

Which crossover offers better day-to-day hauling capacity?

Despite being the physically larger vehicle, the 2026 Santa Fe technically offers less dedicated cargo space at 14.6 cu ft compared to the 2025 GLA-Class’s 15.4 cu ft. This suggests the GLA prioritizes trunk geometry over overall length in this specific measurement.

Is the power deficit in the Mercedes-Benz GLA substantial for highway merging?

Yes, the 56 hp difference is noticeable; the GLA produces 221 hp while the Santa Fe generates 277 hp. For drivers frequently merging onto high-speed highways, the extra torque (311 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft) in the Hyundai will provide faster, more confident acceleration.

How much larger is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe physically compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The Santa Fe is significantly larger across all dimensions, being 16.6 inches longer (190.2 vs. 173.6 inches) and 2.6 inches taller (67.7 vs. 63.5 inches), indicating a larger cabin and road presence.

Given the difference in MSRP, does the GLA offer any significant transmission advantage?

The GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, while the Santa Fe uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic. While both have 8 speeds, the GLA’s dual-clutch style aims for quicker shifts, though the Santa Fe’s traditional automatic is often smoother for daily commuting.

What MPG difference can a driver expect after factoring in fuel type?

Even accounting for the difference between regular and premium fuel costs, the 5 MPG combined advantage held by the GLA (29 MPG) over the Santa Fe (24 MPG) is a critical factor for high-mileage drivers to calculate into their total cost of ownership.