2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander barrels into contention with a robust 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those who prioritize sheer pulling power, despite achieving a combined 25 MPG. Contrast this with the lithe 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which boasts superior efficiency, delivering an impressive 29 MPG combined, though its 221 hp output trails the Highlander. The Highlander’s substantial 194.9-inch length hints at greater interior volume, whereas the GLA focuses on compact maneuverability with a smaller footprint. While the Highlander demands regular unleaded, the Mercedes insists on premium fuel. Priced nearly identically at $40,320 versus $41,500, the choice hinges on whether you value the Highlander's torque advantage or the GLA's nearly 16% fuel economy edge.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Highlander’s 25 MPG.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is better suited for families, offering a larger exterior profile at 194.9 inches in length, suggesting more passenger and cargo space.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers a significantly higher power output, generating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for a more energetic drive.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers substantially more horsepower (265 hp vs 221 hp) for a slightly lower MSRP.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You frequently haul or need strong acceleration, leveraging its superior 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Passenger or cargo capacity is paramount, benefiting from its larger 194.9-inch frame.
- You prefer using standard regular unleaded fuel over premium gasoline.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is essential, thanks to its outstanding 34 MPG highway rating.
- You value European refinement and a smaller, more nimble urban vehicle (173.6 inches long).
- You seek slightly better initial value, costing $1,180 less than the Toyota.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 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 | 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 Highlander and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How does the driving dynamic differ between the 265 hp Highlander and the 221 hp GLA?
The 2025 Highlander provides a brute force advantage with 44 more horsepower and significantly higher torque (310 lb-ft), making it feel stronger, especially when accelerating or merging. Conversely, the 2026 GLA will feel lighter and more eager through tight turns due to its smaller dimensions (173.6 inches long).
Is the higher fuel cost of the GLA worth the efficiency gain over the Highlander?
The GLA offers a 4 MPG combined advantage (29 MPG vs 25 MPG) and slightly better city mileage (26 MPG vs 22 MPG). However, the GLA requires expensive premium unleaded fuel, potentially negating some savings unless your driving habits strongly favor the efficiency boost.
Which vehicle provides more usable space for cargo and passengers?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is physically larger in all dimensions, notably its 194.9-inch length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, suggesting it will accommodate more passengers and offer greater overall utility, despite the provided cargo capacities being close (16 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft).
What is the impact of the different transmissions on performance?
The Highlander utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic known for reliable gear changes supporting its higher torque output. The GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual, which often delivers quicker, snappier shifts during enthusiastic driving, complementing its sportier tuning.
Considering the MSRP difference, does the Highlander offer better absolute value?
While the GLA is $1,180 more expensive, the Highlander provides 44 more horsepower and better torque figures for a lower starting price, tilting the raw performance-per-dollar metric favorably toward the Toyota.
If I drive primarily on highways, which FWD crossover is better?
For long-distance highway cruising, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a decisive edge with 34 MPG highway compared to the Highlander’s 29 MPG highway rating.
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