2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA thrills with German precision and efficiency, boasting a keen 29 combined MPG from its 221 hp engine, appealing to those who prioritize frugal operation despite requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Murano unleashes more muscle, delivering 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and excels in practicality, offering a massive 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLA's tighter 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA champions efficiency (34 highway MPG), the Murano dominates raw utility and standard all-wheel drive capability. Priced nearly identically—$41,500 for the GLA versus $41,670 for the Murano—the decision hinges on whether driving economy and maneuverability (GLA's 173.6-inch length) or sheer passenger and cargo volume (Murano's 192.9-inch length) is the priority for the owner.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers superior fuel economy at 29 combined MPG, significantly reducing weekly running costs for daily drivers.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano dwarfs the GLA in utility, providing nearly double the cargo capacity at 32.9 cubic feet.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano provides more immediate power with 241 horsepower and includes standard all-wheel drive for enhanced dynamic capability.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Despite similar MSRPs, the GLA offers 6 MPG better fuel economy and mandates a lower grade of fuel for everyday driving efficiency.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 34 highway MPG.
- You prefer a smaller, more nimble vehicle with a length of only 173.6 inches.
- You are satisfied with front-wheel drive performance and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz badge.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You need substantial space, evidenced by the 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You require standard all-wheel drive capability for varied road conditions.
- You prefer utilizing regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded required by the GLA.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 192.9" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| 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 Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.8 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 |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the Mercedes-Benz GLA achieves 29 combined MPG, beating the Nissan Murano's 23 combined MPG by 6 MPG. This efficiency gain from the GLA translates to fewer stops at the pump.
Which vehicle is physically larger and offers more usable storage?
The Nissan Murano is significantly larger, measuring 192.9 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This translates directly to cargo space, with the Murano offering 32.9 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
Is the extra horsepower in the Murano noticeable during driving?
The Murano delivers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, slightly surpassing the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Enthusiasts will likely feel the Murano's greater output, especially when paired with its standard AWD system.
Does the fuel requirement affect the long-term cost comparison?
Yes, the GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, which costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded fuel used by the Murano. Even with its lower MPG, the Murano might offset some running cost differences due to cheaper fuel grade.
What is the core difference in their drivetrain philosophy?
The GLA comes standard with front-wheel drive mated to an 8-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the Murano features standard all-wheel drive paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, leaning towards traction and traditional shifting feel.
Are the sticker prices very similar, indicating similar feature levels?
The base MSRPs are almost identical, with the GLA starting at $41,500 and the Murano at $41,670. However, the performance, efficiency, and size figures suggest they target very different primary needs.
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