2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the $5,100 MSRP difference, with the Pathfinder starting at $36,400 versus the GLA's $41,500. Power output heavily favors the Pathfinder, offering 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the GLA demonstrates superior efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined, which is a 6 MPG advantage over the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined rating; however, the GLA mandates premium fuel. Size also varies significantly, with the Pathfinder measuring 197.7 inches long, substantially larger than the GLA's 173.6 inches. Cargo space is marginally better in the Pathfinder at 16.6 cubic feet versus the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet, reinforcing the Pathfinder's overall utilitarian advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the winner for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy, despite requiring premium fuel.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers a larger footprint, measuring 197.7 inches in length and providing 16.6 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is the enthusiast choice, boasting 284 hp, which is 63 horsepower more than the GLA's 221 hp.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder delivers significantly higher power and larger dimensions for $5,100 less MSRP than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You require maximum straight-line power, benefiting from 284 horsepower.
- You need the larger dimensions, evidenced by its 197.7-inch length and greater cargo capacity (16.6 cu ft).
- You prioritize lower ownership cost by avoiding premium fuel requirements, utilizing regular unleaded.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is the top priority, as the GLA delivers 29 MPG combined versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.
- You prefer the agility associated with a smaller vehicle, noted by the GLA's 173.6-inch length.
- You are willing to pay the $41,500 MSRP for luxury branding and a required premium fuel setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 173.6" |
| Width | 77.9" | 72.2" |
| Height | 70.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How do the fuel costs compare between the Pathfinder and the GLA?
Although the 2026 GLA achieves better EPA mileage (29 MPG combined), it requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Pathfinder uses regular unleaded and gets 23 MPG combined. This mandates a closer look at local fuel pricing.
Is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder significantly larger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Yes, the Pathfinder is a much larger crossover, measuring 197.7 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, and it is also taller and wider.
Which vehicle offers more horsepower for acceleration?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder holds a definitive advantage in power, producing 284 horsepower against the GLA's 221 horsepower.
How does the initial purchase price vary between these two models?
There is a $5,100 MSRP gap; the Nissan Pathfinder starts at $36,400 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $41,500.
Do the transmission types differ significantly?
The Pathfinder utilizes a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission, suggesting different driving feel dynamics.
Which vehicle has superior utility based on cargo volume?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers slightly better utility with 16.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool