2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the agile luxury of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the roomier capability of the 2026 Nissan Murano presents a classic crossover conundrum: premium efficiency versus sheer space. The GLA starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $43,000 but rewards drivers with a significant fuel economy advantage, achieving 29 MPG combined while strictly requiring premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the larger Murano, priced at $40,670, offers massive utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's mere 15.4 cu ft, albeit netting only 23 MPG combined on regular fuel. While the Murano packs 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the GLA’s lighter platform and better efficiency (a 6 MPG advantage) make it the sensible choice for daily driving if cargo isn't the primary concern.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 29 versus the Murano's 23 MPG.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano easily accommodates families with nearly double the cargo capacity at 32.9 cu ft compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano offers a slight edge in raw power with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, compared to the GLA's 221 hp.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano provides substantially more vehicle size and features like AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $41,670.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel economy, as the GLA delivers 29 MPG combined.
- You prefer a smaller footprint for easier city parking, measuring only 173.6 inches in length.
- You desire a quicker-shifting 8-speed automated manual transmission experience.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You require massive storage, benefiting from the Murano's 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to use regular unleaded fuel instead of the GLA's premium requirement.
- All-wheel drive and a larger physical presence (192.9 inches long) are must-haves.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 192.9" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.8 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is quite noticeable for daily drivers. The 2025 GLA-Class achieves 29 MPG combined, giving it a 6 MPG advantage over the 2026 Murano's 23 MPG combined rating. Keep in mind the Mercedes requires premium fuel, while the Nissan takes regular.
Is the Mercedes GLA too small for practical cargo hauling?
Yes, for frequent haulers, the GLA's 15.4 cu ft cargo capacity is significantly restrictive when compared to the Murano's massive 32.9 cu ft. If you regularly carry large luggage or gear, the GLA will feel cramped.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA require a premium fuel for its 221 hp engine?
Yes, the 2025 GLA-Class specifically mandates premium unleaded fuel to achieve its listed performance figures. This extra cost should be factored against the Murano’s lower overall running costs, despite the Murano being slightly thirstier.
Which vehicle offers better performance specifications, torque and horsepower-wise?
The 2026 Nissan Murano technically offers more power, putting out 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, slightly beating the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the Murano is also significantly larger and heavier.
Considering the MSRP, is the 2026 Nissan Murano a better value proposition?
Based on the starting prices, the Murano ($41,670) is slightly cheaper than the GLA ($43,000), and it includes All-Wheel Drive (while the base GLA is FWD). When factoring in the cargo size disparity, the Murano generally offers more utility per dollar.
How does the size difference impact maneuverability?
The GLA is considerably more compact at 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. The Murano is substantially larger, stretching to 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, making the smaller GLA much easier to navigate and park in tight urban settings.
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