2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$38,200 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the spacious 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and the nimble 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA often boils down to size versus efficiency. If you frequently haul cargo or need substantial passenger space, the Atlas, clocking in at 200.7 inches long, offers a significant advantage over the GLA's smaller footprint. However, that space comes at a cost: the Atlas gets a combined 22 MPG, while the GLA stretches to 29 MPG combined. Performance is another point of divergence; the Atlas boasts 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp. Even with lower power, the GLA's mandatory premium fuel requirement contrasts with the Atlas's regular unleaded economy. While the Atlas starts $3,300 cheaper at $38,200, potential buyers must weigh upfront cost against long-term fuel savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the clear choice for families, offering substantially more room at 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

Enthusiasts looking for sheer muscle will prefer the Atlas's higher output of 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas offers better baseline utility and power for $3,300 less than the GLA, making it the better value proposition.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You need the most interior space, benefiting from its 200.7-inch length and 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer a vehicle that runs on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
You desire greater immediate power, evidenced by its 269 hp output versus Car 2's 221 hp.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Maximizing fuel stops is key, as the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined on the road.
You prefer a slightly smaller and potentially easier-to-park vehicle, measuring 173.6 inches long.
You are comfortable paying a higher initial price for a more efficient, premium-brand vehicle.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	200.7"	173.6"
Width	78.3"	72.2"
Height	70.4"	63.5"
Wheelbase	117.3"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering 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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	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)	372.0/483.6 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.0 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	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 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 Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.5 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/60R18	235/55R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Which crossover is better for gas money, the Atlas or the GLA?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly better on fuel, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's 22 MPG combined. Keep in mind, however, the GLA requires premium fuel, which might offset some of the efficiency gains.

How much larger is the 2025 VW Atlas than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The Atlas is substantially larger, measuring 200.7 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This length difference translates directly to more interior volume, especially visible in the 20.6 cu ft of cargo space in the Atlas versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

Does the Atlas have more horsepower than the GLA?

Yes, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas provides noticeably more power with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA trails behind with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What is the price difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has a lower starting MSRP of $38,200. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts higher at $41,500, representing a $3,300 difference between the base models.

Are the driving dynamics very different due to the transmissions?

Yes, they use different setups; the Atlas has a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which can sometimes provide a different feel during shifts.

Which car requires the more expensive gasoline?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA mandates premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas runs perfectly fine on regular unleaded gasoline.