2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$39,995 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the 7 MPG difference in combined fuel economy, with the GLA achieving 29 MPG versus the Ascent’s 22 MPG. However, the Ascent counters this with a 39 horsepower advantage (260 hp vs. 221 hp) and 19 lb-ft more torque (277 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft). Dimensionally, the Ascent is substantially larger, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, translating to a slightly larger 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus 15.4 cu ft. Priced at $39,995, the Ascent is $1,505 less expensive than the GLA's $41,500 MSRP, though the GLA mandates premium fuel, adding an operational cost differentiator. The Ascent employs standard All-Wheel Drive, while the base GLA utilizes Front Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers a larger overall footprint, evidenced by its 196.8-inch length and 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent delivers superior raw output with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers a lower entry price of $39,995 and includes standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the GLA's higher MSRP and FWD baseline.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize accessible power, as the Ascent provides 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum passenger and cargo volume is essential, supported by its 196.8-inch length and 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability without needing to select an upgrade package.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Optimized fuel consumption is a key metric, highlighted by its 29 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a vehicle that accepts regular unleaded gasoline instead of requiring premium fuel.
A smaller, more city-manageable footprint is desired, as the GLA is 23.2 inches shorter than the Ascent.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How does the required fuel type affect the running costs between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded used by the 2025 Subaru Ascent. Although the GLA offers 7 MPG better efficiency, the higher fuel cost might neutralize some of the MPG savings over the vehicle's lifespan.

Which vehicle is better suited for towing or hauling heavier loads based on torque figures?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent has a measurable advantage in rotational force with 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 258 lb-ft. This higher torque figure generally suggests better low-end pulling capability for light towing or navigating steep inclines.

What is the measurable difference in size and utility?

The Ascent is significantly larger, boasting a length of 196.8 inches versus the GLA's 173.6 inches, and it offers 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. This 2.4 cu ft difference is critical for large families needing extra storage.

Does the drivetrain influence the base models' typical use cases?

Yes, the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, suggesting inherent capability in varied weather conditions. Conversely, the standard GLA utilizes Front Wheel Drive, aligning it more closely with efficient on-road urban commuting.

Is the difference in MSRP the final cost comparison between the two vehicles?

No, the MSRP gap is $1,505 in favor of the Ascent at $39,995 versus $41,500 for the GLA. However, the GLA's requirement for premium fuel and its FWD configuration versus the Ascent's standard AWD must be factored into the true total cost of ownership.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience based purely on engine specs?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is objectively more potent, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, which exceeds the 221 hp and 258 lb-ft available in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.