2026 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Buick Enclave and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA present a stark contrast in size and capability, beginning with the most significant numerical difference: the Enclave measures 207.6 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, providing substantially more passenger and cargo volume. Power delivery also favors the Buick, as the Enclave produces 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the GLA’s 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, efficiency is a clear win for the smaller German crossover, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating versus the Enclave's 23 MPG combined. Priced at $46,200, the Enclave commands a $4,700 premium over the GLA's $41,500 base MSRP. Despite the efficiency gap of 6 MPG, the Buick offers 7.5 cubic feet more cargo capacity (22.9 cu ft vs. 15.4 cu ft), highlighting its focus on utility over economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.
2026 Buick Enclave
The 2026 Buick Enclave is the superior family choice, offering 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Buick Enclave
The Enclave provides significantly higher performance figures with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA’s 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers substantially better fuel economy (29 MPG vs. 23 MPG) while costing $4,700 less than the Enclave.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- Absolute power output is prioritized, evidenced by the Enclave's 328 hp rating.
- Maximum hauling capability is required, indicated by its 22.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
- The driver requires a larger physical footprint, noted by its 207.6-inch length.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, with the GLA achieving 29 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
- A lower entry price point of $41,500 is a critical purchasing factor.
- A more compact exterior, measuring only 173.6 inches long, is preferred for urban navigation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 173.6" |
| Width | 79.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 71.0" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 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 | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 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 | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | 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 | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Enclave and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the primary difference in fuel requirement between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Buick Enclave utilizes regular unleaded fuel, making its operational refueling potentially less expensive. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, which carries a higher per-gallon cost.
How much does the difference in size impact cargo capacity?
The Enclave's larger dimensions translate directly to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, offering 7.5 cubic feet more storage than the smaller GLA, which provides only 15.4 cubic feet.
Which vehicle delivers a better initial cost of ownership?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a lower base MSRP at $41,500, representing a $4,700 savings compared to the Buick Enclave’s $46,200 price tag.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different between the two models?
Yes, the Enclave features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for traditional gear changes, while the GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Which vehicle has the performance advantage based on available specifications?
The Buick Enclave possesses a significant performance edge, producing 107 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 221 hp) and 68 more lb-ft of torque than the GLA.
Does the superior MPG of the GLA offset the cost of premium fuel?
While the GLA gets 6 MPG better combined efficiency (29 MPG vs. 23 MPG), the required use of premium fuel must be factored against the Enclave’s lower entry MSRP when calculating long-term operational value.
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