2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$44,210 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid charges forward with a mission of efficiency and space, boasting an impressive 36 combined MPG from its 245 hp hybrid system and massive 201.4-inch length. Contrast this with the spirited, luxurious spirit of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which offers a sharper driving feel despite lower power at 221 hp and requires costly premium unleaded fuel. While the Toyota prioritizes practicality with superior fuel economy and an imposing 72.1-inch height, the GLA charms with its nimble dimensions (173.6 inches long) and advanced 8-speed automated manual transmission. The Grand Highlander delivers a significant 7 MPG advantage in combined driving and possesses 24 more horsepower, making it the pragmatic powerhouse. Conversely, the GLA commands attention with its lower initial MSRP of $41,500 versus the Toyota's $44,210, appealing to drivers seeking accessible German pedigree.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid wins due to its outstanding 36 combined MPG, drastically cutting daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

With a significant size advantage (201.4 inches long) and more utility, the Grand Highlander better accommodates family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA provides a more engaging drive with its dedicated 8-speed automated manual transmission compared to the CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP, the Grand Highlander's exceptional 36 MPG offers superior long-term ownership value over the GLA.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...

You need maximum fuel economy, achieving a 36 combined MPG rating.
You require maximum hauling capacity and three-row practicality from a 201.4-inch-long vehicle.
You prefer a powertrain that runs on regular unleaded fuel and generates 245 hp.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

You prioritize the prestige and driving feel of the Mercedes-Benz brand, despite having only 221 hp.
You seek a more compact footprint for easier urban parking, measuring only 173.6 inches in length.
You are comfortable paying extra for premium unleaded fuel to experience the 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	201.4"	173.6"
Width	78.3"	72.2"
Height	72.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	116.1"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	245 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	37/34 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	636.4/584.8 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 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	—
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	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 62000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much larger is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This difference of nearly 28 inches translates directly into more cabin space and cargo volume.

Which crossover saves more money annually on fuel costs?

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner here, delivering 36 combined MPG versus the GLA's 29 combined MPG. This 7 MPG advantage, using regular unleaded fuel, will result in significant savings over thousands of miles.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA's required premium fuel a major factor against the Toyota?

Yes, the fuel premium significantly impacts the GLA’s running costs, as it mandates premium unleaded fuel while the Grand Highlander uses regular unleaded. This cost disparity compounds the efficiency gap.

Which vehicle offers superior performance metrics?

The Grand Highlander Hybrid edges out the GLA in raw output, producing 245 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp. However, the GLA offers superior low-end punch with 258 lb-ft of torque routed through a precise 8-speed transmission.

How do the cargo capacities compare for road trips?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers more secure storage space with 20.6 cubic feet, significantly overshadowing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA's 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

What are the key differences in drivetrains for these all-wheel drive vs. front-wheel drive setups?

The Grand Highlander Hybrid features standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission for smooth efficiency. The GLA typically comes standard as Front Wheel Drive, utilizing an 8-speed automated manual for a more driver-focused feel.