2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$39,435 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade explodes onto the scene with a commanding 287 hp, making it the clear powerhouse in this pairing, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA tantalizes with European sophistication and stunning efficiency. The Palisade boasts a substantial footprint, measuring 199.2 inches long, offering cavernous utility. Conversely, the GLA sprints ahead in fuel economy, achieving a remarkable 29 MPG combined versus the Palisade’s 21 MPG combined, a significant 8 MPG gulf. Performance junkies will gravitate towards the Palisade’s 66-hp advantage over the GLA’s 221 hp, though the GLA strictly demands premium unleaded fuel. Priced slightly lower at an MSRP of $39,435 compared to the GLA’s $41,500, the Palisade brings brawn for less outlay. These two crossovers offer distinctly different philosophies: brute force and space versus compact, efficient luxury.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers significantly better fuel economy at 29 MPG combined, lowering day-to-day running costs for the commuter.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is substantially larger, offering superior physical dimensions (199.2 inches long) and more usable interior volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

With 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade delivers superior raw power compared to the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade provides more horsepower and a significantly larger body structure for a lower initial MSRP of $39,435.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the Palisade delivers a robust 287 hp.
Your top priority is passenger and cargo space, thanks to its larger 199.2-inch length.
You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium fuel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Achieving high fuel efficiency, with 29 MPG combined, is paramount for your driving needs.
You desire a more compact vehicle, as the GLA is nearly 26 inches shorter than the Palisade.
You prefer the driving engagement of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	199.2"	173.6"
Width	78.0"	72.2"
Height	69.5"	63.5"
Wheelbase	116.9"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	287 hp @ 6400 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	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)	361.0/475.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
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	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.2 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.4 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
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	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.7 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.0 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.7 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/65R	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much better is the fuel economy between the 2026 Palisade and the 2026 GLA?

The difference is substantial; the Mercedes-Benz GLA achieves 29 MPG combined, beating the Hyundai Palisade’s 21 MPG combined by a full 8 MPG. This difference could translate into hundreds of dollars saved annually on fuel costs for GLA owners.

Which crossover is faster in terms of outright performance?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is significantly faster, generating 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This power advantage crushes the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA’s 221 hp output, making the Palisade the clear choice for raw acceleration.

Does the lower MPG of the Palisade mean it requires a cheaper fuel type?

Yes, the Palisade can run happily on regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, adding to its long-term running expenses.

Is the size difference between these two crossovers noticeable for families?

Absolutely; the Palisade measures 199.2 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, providing nearly 26 extra inches of vehicle length, which directly translates to better interior and cargo capacity (19.1 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft).

Which vehicle offers a better entry price point?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade starts at a lower MSRP of $39,435, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA begins at $41,500. This nearly $2,000 difference makes the Palisade more accessible upfront.

How do the transmissions differ between the two models?

The Palisade utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, focusing on smooth, dependable operation. In contrast, the GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual, which often provides a sharper, more direct shifting feel favored by driving enthusiasts.