2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$41,500 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, standing $6,505 apart, with the Outback priced at $34,995 versus the GLA's $41,500. Performance metrics favor the GLA, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, a 41 hp advantage for the Mercedes. Fuel economy is marginally better in the GLA at 29 MPG combined (26/34 MPG) versus the Outback's 27 MPG combined (25/31 MPG), though the GLA demands premium fuel while the Outback uses regular. The Outback compensates with superior utility, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than double the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet. Dimensionally, the Outback is notably larger, extending 191.7 inches in length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers superior fuel efficiency at 29 MPG combined and features required premium unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, accommodating larger loads.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA has a clear advantage in power, producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback undercuts the GLA's MSRP by $6,505 and runs on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Maximum acceleration is desired, leveraging the 221 hp engine.
Fuel economy is prioritized, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating.
Front-wheel drive configuration and an 8-speed automated manual transmission are preferred.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum cargo volume is necessary, benefiting from 34.6 cu ft of space.
Cost savings are critical, given the $34,995 MSRP versus the GLA's $41,500.
All-wheel drive capability and the ability to use regular unleaded fuel are required.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Subaru Outback
Length	173.6"	191.7"
Width	72.2"	74.0"
Height	63.5"	67.5"
Wheelbase	107.4"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.1 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	—
Speaker System	—	6
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.9 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	225/60R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
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 Subaru Outback.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain capability between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with front-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Subaru Outback features standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. This is a key structural difference despite both being classified as crossovers.

How significant is the difference in power output and required fuel type?

The GLA leads by 41 horsepower (221 hp vs. 180 hp) and also offers 80 more lb-ft of torque (258 vs. 178). However, the GLA mandates premium unleaded fuel, while the Outback accepts regular unleaded.

Which vehicle offers substantially more usable storage space?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear choice for utility, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers only 15.4 cubic feet, less than half the Outback's volume.

Is the higher price of the GLA justified by better fuel economy?

The GLA achieves 29 MPG combined compared to the Outback's 27 MPG combined. While slightly better, the 2 MPG advantage must be weighed against the $6,505 higher initial MSRP and the mandatory premium fuel requirement.

How do the exterior dimensions compare for parking or garage fitting?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is smaller overall, measuring 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches high. The Subaru Outback is substantially larger at 191.7 inches long and 67.5 inches high, potentially requiring more space.

What transmissions do these two vehicles utilize?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.