2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$41,500 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA bursts onto the scene with European finesse, its excitement rooted in fuel economy, achieving a remarkable 29 MPG combined, despite requiring premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander grabs attention with sheer muscle, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, instantly asserting its dominance in raw output over the GLA's 221 hp. While the GLA maintains a lower MSRP of $41,500, the Highlander commands a higher price point at $45,270, alongside a significant size difference; the Highlander stretches to 194.9 inches long compared to the GLA's taut 173.6 inches. The trade-off for the Highlander's extra space and power is evident in its 24 MPG combined rating, lagging behind the GLA's superior 34 MPG highway rating. Both offer comparable cargo areas (15.4 cu ft vs. 16 cu ft), but the driving dynamics and overall appeal are worlds apart.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency and slightly smaller footprint for urban maneuvering.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers superior passenger/cargo capacity due to its significantly longer 194.9-inch body and 16 cu ft of storage.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will favor the Highlander's raw power advantage, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA offers better inherent fuel economy and a lower $41,500 MSRP, translating to better running costs despite premium fuel requirements.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

You prioritize maximizing miles per gallon, targeting the 34 MPG highway rating.
Your budget requires sticking close to the $41,500 starting MSRP.
You prefer a more agile vehicle, evidenced by its shorter 173.6-inch length.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You absolutely need the robust power of 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need extra space, as the Highlander is substantially longer and provides 16 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive and the flexibility of using regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Toyota Highlander
Length	173.6"	194.9"
Width	72.2"	76.0"
Height	63.5"	68.1"
Wheelbase	107.4"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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	2
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	8.0 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

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.0 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	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	57.2 in.
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	P235/65R V
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Toyota Highlander than the Mercedes-Benz GLA?

The Highlander holds a distinct advantage in performance metrics, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 44 hp and 52 lb-ft more than the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Which crossover is cheaper to run in terms of fuel costs?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly more economical day-to-day, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, although the GLA requires the more expensive premium unleaded fuel.

Is the 2026 Highlander a significantly larger vehicle?

Yes, the Highlander is much larger, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 76.0 inches in width, dwarfing the compact GLA's dimensions of 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide.

What is the price gap between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander carries an MSRP of $45,270, creating a $3,770 price difference compared to the $41,500 starting price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Does the drivetrain differ between these two crossovers?

They have fundamentally different standard setups; the Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with Front Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automated manual, while the Toyota Highlander includes standard All Wheel Drive paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How close are the cargo capacities of the GLA and the Highlander?

The cargo capacities are very similar despite the size difference; the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet, just slightly more than the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.