2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class dazzles with refined efficiency, offering an impressive 29 MPG combined while requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent excites with raw power, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the GLA's 221 hp. While the Mercedes prioritizes nimble city driving with its 173.6-inch length and 8-speed automated manual, the Ascent steps up as the utility powerhouse, providing 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. The performance gap is notable: the Ascent pushes out 39 more horsepower. However, the GLA counters with superior fuel economy, netting an extra 7 MPG in combined driving, a crucial factor given the Ascent demands regular unleaded while the Mercedes mandates premium. These two crossovers target distinctly different drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the clear family choice, offering substantially more space with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts will favor the Subaru Ascent for its stronger output of 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent provides superior power and cargo space for a lower initial investment at $40,795 versus the GLA's $43,000 MSRP.

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

You prioritize fuel efficiency and can save money by achieving 34 MPG highway.
You prefer the responsiveness of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
You desire a more compact footprint, with a length of only 173.6 inches for easier city parking.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You absolutely require all-wheel drive performance as standard equipment.
You need maximum utility, evidenced by its 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want the highest available power, delivering 260 hp from its turbocharged engine.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Subaru Ascent
Length	173.6"	196.8"
Width	72.2"	76.0"
Height	63.5"	71.6"
Wheelbase	107.4"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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	2
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	11.6 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	—
Speaker System	—	6
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.1 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	—
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	—	57.8 in.
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	60.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.5 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	245/60R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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 Subaru Ascent.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between these two crossovers?

Yes, the difference is quite noticeable; the 2026 Subaru Ascent generates 260 hp, which is 39 more horsepower than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 221 hp. This output difference suggests the Ascent will feel stronger during overtakes.

Which vehicle is more economical to run in terms of fuel type and mileage?

The Subaru Ascent is cheaper to fuel since it uses regular unleaded, while the Mercedes GLA requires premium unleaded. However, the GLA counters with a much better combined MPG rating of 29 versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.

How does the driving experience differ based on transmission type?

The GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, often offering sharper gear shifts, whereas the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which tends to prioritize smooth, linear acceleration.

For hauling luggage, how much more space does the Ascent offer?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, offering 2.4 cubic feet more room than the Mercedes GLA's 15.4 cubic feet, making it slightly better for bulky family trips.

Since the GLA is front-wheel drive, is the Ascent's standard AWD a major advantage?

For driving dynamics in poor weather or on loose surfaces, the Ascent's standard all-wheel drive is a significant advantage over the GLA's front-wheel drive setup.

What is the price disparity between the starting MSRPs?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent starts at $40,795, undercutting the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which begins at $43,000, representing a $2,205 starting price advantage for Subaru.