2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$43,000 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class dazzles with its premium badge and peppy 221 hp engine, promising a sophisticated city drive, while the 2026 Subaru Outback captures attention with rugged utility and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The GLA starts with a premium MSRP of $43,000, demanding higher upkeep with required premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Outback offers a compelling value proposition at just $34,995 and runs happily on regular unleaded. Performance enthusiasts will gravitate towards the GLA's 258 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's 178 lb-ft. However, practicality heavily favors the Subaru; its 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity dwarfs the Mercedes’ 15.4 cu ft, and its larger footprint (191.7 inches long) offers more cabin presence than the nimble 173.6-inch GLA.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class provides a more refined, nimble drive and better fuel economy (29 combined MPG) ideal for urban navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers substantially more utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA delivers significantly more power with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear choice for spirited driving dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback saves buyers $8,005 in initial outlay and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel, offering superior long-term ownership economics.

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

You prioritize horsepower and torque, benefiting from the 41 hp advantage (221 hp total).
You desire a more upscale interior experience standard with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
Your primary use is city driving where its smaller 173.6-inch length aids maneuverability.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, given its massive 34.6 cu ft cargo hold.
You require guaranteed traction in all weather conditions due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You are focused on budget, saving $8,005 upfront and utilizing cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Subaru Outback
Length	173.6"	191.7"
Width	72.2"	74.0"
Height	63.5"	67.5"
Wheelbase	107.4"	108.1"

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	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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.1 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
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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.9 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
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.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	225/60R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside 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 Outback.

How does the fuel requirement difference impact ownership between these two crossovers?

The 2025 GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, adding ongoing expense, whereas the 2026 Outback runs on regular unleaded. While the GLA achieves slightly better combined MPG at 29 versus the Outback's 27, the fuel type difference heavily skews value towards Subaru.

Is the significant power difference between the GLA and Outback noticeable in real-world driving?

Yes, the 41 horsepower deficit for the Outback (180 hp) compared to the GLA (221 hp) will be noticeable, especially during highway merging or spirited acceleration, as the Mercedes also boasts 70 more lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better suited for long road trips involving lots of luggage?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior choice for hauling capacity, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is more than double the 15.4 cu ft available in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Why would someone choose the smaller, more expensive Mercedes GLA over the larger Subaru Outback?

Buyers choose the GLA for its brand prestige, more refined driving dynamics implied by the 8-speed automated manual transmission, and superior highway efficiency (34 MPG highway vs. 31 MPG highway for the Outback).

Since the GLA is Front Wheel Drive and the Outback is AWD, is the Subaru always better in snow?

The Outback’s standard All-Wheel Drive inherently offers more confident traction in slippery conditions than the GLA’s FWD layout; however, the GLA does utilize a more performance-oriented 8-speed transmission.

What is the dimensional difference between these two crossovers?

The Outback is significantly longer at 191.7 inches compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, resulting in a wider and taller vehicle overall, which translates directly into its massive cargo advantage.