2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between rugged utility and premium efficiency is the classic challenge when cross-shopping crossovers, and the 2026 Honda Passport versus the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA highlights this perfectly. The Passport, starting at an MSRP of $44,750, leans into capability with a robust 285 hp engine and standard all-wheel drive, though it pays for this with a combined 21 MPG. Conversely, the GLA enters at a lower $41,500 but prioritizes running costs, achieving a segment-leading 29 MPG combined, albeit using pricier premium fuel. Power figures show the Passport boasts 64 more horsepower than the GLA's 221 hp. For hauling gear, the Passport’s massive 44 cu ft of cargo space dwarfs the GLA’s 15.4 cu ft, emphasizing a clear divide between practical size and efficient German refinement in this comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA wins for commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy, saving money on regular trips.
2026 Honda Passport
The Passport is the clear family choice, offering substantially more space with 44 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Honda Passport
Enthusiasts seeking spirited driving will prefer the Passport's 285 hp engine and traditional 10-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA provides better overall value proposition due to its $3,250 lower starting MSRP and much better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the Passport offers 44 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer more conventional power delivery from a 285 hp engine paired with a 10-speed automatic.
- You prioritize ruggedness and standard all-wheel drive capability over pure highway mileage.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Your budget strongly prefers a lower starting price of $41,500 compared to the Passport's $44,750.
- Maximizing miles per gallon is critical, as the GLA achieves 34 MPG highway.
- You favor a smaller footprint for city maneuvering, noted by the GLA's 173.6-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Passport | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.5" | 173.6" |
| Width | 79.4" | 72.2" |
| Height | 73.1" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 113.6" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/25 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/462.5 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 225W | — |
| Speaker System | 9 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.7 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 265/60R | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
How much more power does the 2026 Honda Passport have over the GLA?
The 2026 Honda Passport is significantly more powerful, boasting 285 hp compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s 221 hp. This 64 hp advantage makes the Passport quicker in straight-line acceleration.
Is the difference in fuel efficiency between these two crossovers significant?
Yes, the difference is substantial; the GLA achieves 29 MPG combined, beating the Passport's 21 MPG combined by 8 miles per gallon. However, remember the GLA requires the more expensive premium unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle is better equipped for carrying large amounts of cargo?
The Honda Passport is vastly superior for cargo, offering 44 cu ft behind the rear seats. The Mercedes-Benz GLA trails significantly with only 15.4 cu ft, making the Passport the better utility choice.
Why is the MSRP for the Passport higher than the GLA?
The 2026 Honda Passport starts at $44,750, which is $3,250 more than the GLA's $41,500 MSRP. This price gap reflects the Passport's larger size, standard AWD, and more potent engine.
Do I need premium gas for either of these vehicles?
The 2026 Honda Passport runs on regular unleaded fuel. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, which is an ongoing operating cost to consider.
Which crossover has the bigger physical size?
The Honda Passport is the larger vehicle overall; it measures 191.5 inches long and 73.1 inches tall. The GLA is considerably smaller, measuring only 173.6 inches in length and 63.5 inches in height.
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