2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Lincoln Corsair

$43,000 · Crossover

$39,985 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class brings undeniable prestige and efficiency, sporting 221 hp and a class-leading 29 combined MPG, though its $43,000 starting MSRP is steeper. Conversely, the 2026 Lincoln Corsair grabs attention with a more robust 250 hp output and significantly superior utility, offering a massive 27.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA’s tight 15.4 cu ft. While both are FWD crossovers, the Mercedes demands premium fuel and delivers better mileage, contrasting with the Corsair's lower initial price of $39,985 and an extra 29 lb-ft of torque. This battle pits German luxury efficiency against American power and practicality; the GLA’s 173.6-inch length suggests nimbleness, whereas the Corsair’s 181.4-inch frame promises more interior room for passengers and gear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway versus the Corsair's 30 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Corsair

The 2026 Corsair is the clear family choice, offering almost double the utility with 27.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Corsair

The Corsair offers a more potent driving punch with 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Corsair

The Corsair provides better raw performance and vastly superior cargo space for $3,015 less than the starting price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

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

You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, as the GLA delivers a combined 29 MPG.
You prefer the prestige and handling characteristics associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
You value smaller exterior dimensions, evidenced by its shorter length of 173.6 inches for easier city maneuvering.

Choose the Lincoln Corsair if...

You require maximum hauling capability, benefiting from the Corsair's expansive 27.6 cu ft cargo area.
You desire more immediate acceleration, thanks to its superior 250 horsepower rating.
You wish to save $3,015 upfront while still using recommended, rather than required, premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Lincoln Corsair
Length	173.6"	181.4"
Width	72.2"	74.3"
Height	63.5"	64.1"
Wheelbase	107.4"	106.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
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	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	275 lb-ft @ 3000 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	Lincoln
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	22/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	356.4/486.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	16.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	13.2 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
Speaker System	—	9
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.1 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	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	55.6 in.
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	50.8 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	225/60R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Lincoln Corsair.

Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class more efficient than the 2026 Lincoln Corsair?

Yes, the GLA-Class holds a distinct advantage in fuel efficiency, boasting a combined rating of 29 MPG versus the Corsair’s 25 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference could save significant money over time, despite the GLA requiring premium fuel.

Which crossover offers better performance figures, the GLA or the Corsair?

The 2026 Lincoln Corsair offers superior performance metrics, generating 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outpaces the 2025 GLA-Class, which produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

How much more cargo space does the Lincoln Corsair provide?

The Corsair provides substantially more utility for luggage and gear, offering 27.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is nearly double the meager 15.4 cu ft available in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

What is the price difference between these two premium crossovers?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class carries an MSRP starting at $43,000, making it $3,015 more expensive than the 2026 Lincoln Corsair, which starts at $39,985.

Are there differences in their transmissions or drive systems?

Both vehicles utilize front-wheel drive, but their transmissions differ slightly; the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, while the Corsair employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Which vehicle uses premium fuel and how does that affect ownership costs?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, which can increase running costs. The 2026 Lincoln Corsair only recommends premium unleaded fuel, allowing owners the flexibility to use lower octane fuel if they choose.