2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$40,860 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the spacious utility of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the premium efficiency of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA? It’s a classic trade-off: sheer size versus refined efficiency. The Grand Highlander dominates in size, measuring 201.4 inches long with a substantial 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. However, this space comes at a cost, netting only 24 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the smaller Mercedes GLA, at 173.6 inches long, offers superior frugality with 29 combined MPG, though it demands premium fuel. Power is another notable split: the Toyota boasts 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the MSRPs are close—$40,860 for the Toyota versus $41,500 for the Benz—the operational cost implications over time are vastly different due to fuel economy and fuel type.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its superior 29 combined MPG versus the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the definitive choice for families needing space, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander wins enthusiast appeal due to its higher output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Despite a slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,860, the Toyota provides significantly more utility and uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You frequently need maximum hauling capability, as the Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the robust power delivery from its 265 hp engine and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You want to avoid the higher running costs associated with premium fuel, as it takes regular unleaded.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Your priority is minimizing fuel stops with 29 combined MPG, achieving 34 highway MPG.
You need a more nimble vehicle around town, as the GLA is substantially smaller (173.6 inches long).
You appreciate the brand prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz nameplate at a similar $41,500 entry price.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	201.4"	173.6"
Width	78.3"	72.2"
Height	70.1"	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	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/498.4 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 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.
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which vehicle is more practical for carrying large families or lots of gear?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is far more practical, providing a larger overall footprint at 201.4 inches long and delivering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is much smaller and only offers 15.4 cu ft of space.

How big is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?

There is a noticeable 5 MPG difference in combined ratings; the GLA achieves 29 combined MPG while the Grand Highlander nets 24 combined MPG. Keep in mind the GLA strictly requires premium fuel, which adds to operating costs.

If I enjoy acceleration, which crossover has the performance edge?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the quicker option, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This significantly overpowers the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which has 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Are the base MSRPs for these two vehicles similar?

Yes, they are very close in initial cost; the 2025 Grand Highlander starts at $40,860, while the 2026 GLA starts at $41,500. The differences in fuel costs and size usually outweigh this minor starting difference.

What is the major mechanical difference in how they drive?

The Toyota uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission paired with regular unleaded, providing conventional shifts. The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, which may feel different during shifting compared to the Toyota's setup.

Is the larger size of the Grand Highlander a concern for parking?

The Grand Highlander is considerably longer at 201.4 inches compared to the GLA’s 173.6 inches, making the smaller Mercedes easier to maneuver and fit into tight urban parking spaces.