2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$46,820 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Car 1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA (Car 2) lies in fuel economy, where the Highlander achieves a 35 MPG combined rating versus the GLA's 29 MPG combined, a 6 MPG advantage. Pricing presents another key factor, with Car 1 commanding a $46,820 MSRP compared to Car 2's lower $41,500 entry point. Performance specifications favor the Highlander, delivering 243 hp, which outpaces the GLA's 221 hp. Conversely, the GLA offers 258 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0L engine, marginally higher than the Highlander’s assumed lower torque figure (not explicitly listed). Dimensional analysis shows the Highlander is substantially larger at 194.9 inches long and offers slightly more storage with 16.0 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft, despite the GLA's smaller 173.6-inch length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy, maximizing range between fill-ups.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The larger dimensions, featuring a length of 194.9 inches and 16.0 cu ft of cargo capacity, better accommodate family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Despite the GLA's torque advantage, the Highlander's higher 243 hp output and standard all-wheel drive configuration offer broader performance appeal.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA secures the value verdict by offering a significantly lower MSRP of $41,500 against the Highlander's $46,820 entry price.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as evidenced by the consistent 35 MPG City/Highway rating.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied road conditions.
Maximum interior space is needed, highlighted by its 194.9-inch overall length and 16.0 cu ft cargo volume.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Minimizing initial outlay is a priority, given the $41,500 MSRP.
You prefer the performance characteristics of a premium unleaded engine producing 258 lb-ft of torque.
A smaller vehicle footprint (173.6 inches long) is advantageous for urban parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	194.9"	173.6"
Width	76.0"	72.2"
Height	68.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
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	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	243 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

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	598.5/598.5 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
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	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 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
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 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
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P235/65R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
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 Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

What is the total cost difference between the 2025 Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 GLA?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an MSRP of $46,820, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $41,500, resulting in an initial purchase price difference of $5,320 favoring the GLA.

How does the required fuel type impact long-term operating costs?

The Highlander Hybrid runs on regular unleaded and achieves 35 MPG combined, whereas the GLA requires premium unleaded and achieves only 29 MPG combined, suggesting the Highlander will have lower running costs despite its higher MSRP.

Which vehicle offers superior horsepower and torque figures?

The Highlander Hybrid leads in raw power with 243 hp, but the GLA produces slightly more rotational force with a stated 258 lb-ft of torque.

Are the drivetrains comparable for inclement weather driving?

No; the Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing better traction potential, while the GLA uses a Front Wheel Drive configuration.

How much larger is the Highlander Hybrid's cabin space compared to the GLA?

The Highlander is significantly longer at 194.9 inches versus the GLA's 173.6 inches, and this translates to 16.0 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

What is the difference in transmission technology between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Highlander Hybrid uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission optimized for hybrid efficiency, while the 2026 GLA utilizes a more traditional 8-speed automated manual transmission.