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Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
9 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Drive, but Very Expensive Maintenance

Tycoop , 02/19/2020
updated 02/28/2022
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
26 of 28 people found this review helpful

I’ll begin by admitting I have a strong personal affinity for the way German engineered cars perform and drive. BMWs and Mercedes have long been my favorite cars. I’ve racked up 90,000 miles on the 2020 GLA 4Matic, and can sum up the car with the following statement: When the car is working properly, it’s a strong, sporty driving experience…but it’s a high-maintence car which requires expensive upkeep. Juxtapose this car with a similarly priced Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Honda CRV, or Subaru Outback: They aren’t on the same level as the GLA when it comes to handling, driving experience, or overall performance. But Japanese small crossovers are extremely reliable and almost never suffer expensive malfunctions in the first 100,000 miles. Mercedes, unfortunately, aren’t as reliable in my experience. In other words…the Japanese cars don’t break. Mercedes do break. The car experienced a severe problem with the powertrain at 70,000 miles, requiring a several thousand dollar repair. The standard warranty ends at 50,000 miles. The car also requires transmission fluid service at 70,000 miles, which cost $1,000. The car has a nice 7 speed electronic transmission. But it’s not so nice that it justifies that kind of maintenance cost. Like I said, the driving experience of this car is excellent. The suspension is nicely tuned for a comfortable, yet sporty drive…similar to BMW 3 series handling characteristics. Steering control and feedback is responsive and tight, handling is sharp, and acceleration is strong throughout the RPM range. It doesn’t drive like a typical front-wheel drive car (the 4Matic system doesn’t engage the rear wheels until the front wheels slip). There’s no “yanking” of the front wheels when accelerating hard through turns, and the rear of the car doesn’t slop around if you take corners aggressively. Very nicely balanced. The dash and instrument cluster are dated and functionally obsolete. For example; the climate control system is located at the bottom of the dash. It’s difficult to mess with the climate control without taking your eyes off the road. Poor ergonomic setup in that regard. The car also has a full phone keypad on the dash. That was a nice tech idea back in 2003…but it’s been obsolete since the advent of Bluetooth and CarPlay. The heated seats work perfectly, as do the electric seat adjustments. The small video screen above the dash is easy to see and navigate with the control wheel. CarPlay works flawlessly. Options are expensive. The aforementioned similarly-priced Japanese cars offer more options in the same price range. But, they aren’t as much fun to drive, especially on the highway. This car was designed to perform beautifully at highway speeds. It can safely cruise at 85mph all day and night, and do it with ease. The small turbo 4 cylinder engine doesn’t have much punch over 75 mph. But it provides smooth and consistent acceleration in city driving. If you’re seeking an SUV large enough for a family, the GLA is probably too small. It seats four comfortably, but there’s not much space for luggage behind the rear seats for more than two people. If you want a small crossover with a sporty driving experience, you won’t find a better automobile for the price. Just be prepared for high-maintenance costs after the warranty expires.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Tiny!!!

Dee, 03/04/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful

I thought I loved the GLA. It was all I could dream about for months and I promised myself it would be my next car...until the day I went to buy it. It was fire engine red, just gleaming under the showroom lights and I was super excited. I opened the door and my heart fell. First of all, I bumped my head three different times just getting in and out of the car. If you are claustrophobic, this car is not for you. Secondly, my knees were bent uncomfortably if I wanted to have any passenger in the backseat. When I extended the driver’s seat far enough to be almost comfortable (I’m 5’7” without heels), the back of driver’s seat was practically touching the seat part of the back passenger seat. Putting in a car seat for my future infant was not an option. Thirdly, if you’re looking for the suv feel where you can look down from your high seat on the sedan-driving folks, look somewhere else. This car feels even more sedan driving than sedans. So sad. I really wanted to buy the car. *sniff sniff*

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5 out of 5 stars

Freelance Zoom!!

Andrentay, 01/26/2021
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I love this car. I upgraded from a Fiat. It’s go very nice power as well as many cool features! It’s also really good on gas. I’m a freelance stylist so I needed something, classy, small and efficient. This car is awesome. I got the 2020 in denim blue!

Safety
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Performance
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Interior
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Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

GLA250

Tammie , 03/26/2022
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great small crossover vehicle. Handles well, solid ride eco mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. Has a turbo and sport mode when needing extra power. Fun to drive.

Safety
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

MBenz GLA 250

Olguita , 03/10/2023
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent car. Nice ride, good stability, reliable , ample cargo space, comfortable seats. Park the car by itself feature is convenient and useful. Engine is not noisy. Overall the small SUV sport can’t hide it is a MBenz brand.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
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Performance
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Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Cute. Classy & Sporty

ElleRose Spartanburg, SC , 12/12/2024
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love the size and look. It handles the road well. There really isn’t anything I dislike about the vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Automobile

Dr. Quevedo, 11/06/2021
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this vehicle and without a doubt it is fantastic. Love the Logic 7 Surround Sound. Love the way the vehicle handles. Its Sporty and luxurious at the same time. Looks great, handles great, and its very economic with the gasoline.

Safety
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Performance
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Interior
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4 out of 5 stars

So far so good!

Peter, 04/18/2022
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Nice car and great service!

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2 out of 5 stars

Shouldn't be called a Mercedes

Bennie, 04/11/2024
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

All plastic inside, rattles and squeaks. Panoramic roof is so noisy you can't hear the radio when it's open. No insulation on panoramic roof cover. Can hear all the road noise no quiet interior. Run flat tires make it even louder. Don't waste your money!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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