2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between muscle-car roots in a modern family hauler and premium European efficiency often comes down to trade-offs in size versus running costs. The 2026 Dodge Durango, starting at $38,995, delivers raw power with 295 hp, appealing to those who need brute force, though it settles for only 20 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly more frugal, boasting 29 combined MPG, meaning commuters can save substantial money over time despite its higher $41,500 MSRP and lower 221 hp output. Size also matters: the Durango spans 200.8 inches long, dwarfing the GLA's 173.6-inch footprint, which directly impacts its superior 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. This comparison boils down to horsepower dominance and physical space versus fuel savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the clear winner for commuters due to its excellent 29 MPG combined efficiency, saving significantly on fuel costs.
2026 Dodge Durango
The 2026 Dodge Durango wins for families because its larger 200.8-inch length provides better space, offering 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is preferred by enthusiasts because it packs 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, substantially outmuscling the GLA's 221 hp.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Durango offers greater size and significantly more power for a lower entry MSRP of $38,995 compared to the GLA's $41,500.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You prioritize maximum power and tow potential, benefiting from the Durango's 295 horsepower.
- You need the largest footprint, as the Durango measures 200.8 inches long, offering superior interior volume.
- You want to utilize regular unleaded fuel rather than being restricted to premium fuel like the GLA.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel economy is your top concern, as the GLA achieves a 9 MPG advantage with 29 combined MPG.
- You prefer easier maneuvering and parking in tight city spaces, reflected in the GLA's smaller overall dimensions.
- You are budget-conscious about refueling, as the GLA uses regular unleaded while the GLA requires premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 75.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 72.1" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 4-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | 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 | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How significant is the power difference between the 2026 Durango and the 2026 GLA?
The power difference is substantial; the Durango delivers 295 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, meaning the Durango has 74 more horsepower available for acceleration and passing.
Which crossover is better for highway road trips regarding fuel cost?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is better for road trip fuel costs because it returns 34 highway MPG, significantly better than the Durango’s 25 highway MPG rating. Furthermore, the GLA uses regular unleaded.
Does the Durango's larger size translate to notably more cargo room?
Yes, the Durango offers 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more usable than the GLA’s 15.4 cubic feet, benefiting from its extra 27.2 inches in overall length.
What is the price gap between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Dodge Durango has a lower starting MSRP of $38,995, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts higher at $41,500. However, the GLA requires premium fuel, increasing running costs.
What mechanical differences affect driving feel, like drivetrain?
The Durango features a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering a different dynamic than the GLA, which uses a front-wheel-drive setup with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
If I drive daily in the city, which vehicle saves more on gas?
For city driving, the GLA is superior, achieving 26 MPG city versus the Durango's 18 MPG city rating, translating to fewer trips to the pump.
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