2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

Name: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $18,966 - $34,998

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV Exterior

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

This second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is a huge improvement over its rather compromised predecessor. It's comfortable and suitably refined for an entry-level SUV.

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model years

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class for Sale

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class types

Pros

GLA 250's smooth ride and comfortable seats
Features one of today's best, most advanced infotainment systems
Mercedes badge at an affordable price
Exciting performance from the AMG GLA 45 model

Cons

Most of the GLA's advanced safety features are optional
Too much road noise for a luxury SUV
Cargo capacity is small compared to Mercedes' GLB
AMG GLA 45 has a pretty stiff ride

What's new

The GLA has been fully redesigned for 2021
Part of the second GLA generation introduced for 2021

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

Updated: 6/21/2021

We weren't terribly impressed with the first-generation GLA when Mercedes introduced it for the 2015 model year. It wasn't particularly enjoyable to drive, nor was it very practical. Thankfully, the all-new second-generation 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA addresses all of its predecessor's drawbacks and catapults to a much more favorable Edmunds ranking.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV
$23,950
good price
$954 below market
- 76,706 miles
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- 24 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Experience Pure Excitement with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Sport Utility 4D!Get ready to ignite your passion for driving with this exhilarating 2021...
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (23 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
W1N4N5BB9MJ167898
Stock:
KIN167898
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Price Drop
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV
$18,966
- 77,968 miles
- 5 Seats, 24 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- 22 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC represents a full-fledged evolution into a true luxury subcompact SUV, blending agile urban proportions with ele...
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
W1N4N4HBXMJ119473
Stock:
119473
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-28-2026
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The 2021 GLA offers all of Mercedes' latest technology features. The MBUX infotainment system, with its two available 10.25-inch screens and "Hey, Mercedes" voice assistant, is available along with a full suite of advanced driver aids and active safety features.

The cabin is significantly improved over the existing GLA, both in its materials quality and space. If you've sat in an A-Class sedan, you'll be familiar with the smart finishes on elements such as the air vents and the buttons in the center console. There's a lot more headroom than before too, and that's transformational for the driver and front passenger. You sit higher, with a better view through the taller and less severely raked windscreen.

Even as an entry-level SUV model, it's much more deserving of the Mercedes-Benz badge than before. Interestingly, Mercedes also has its new GLB SUV. It's similar in concept and price but offers more passenger and cargo space. But the GLB has blockier styling, especially in contrast to the GLA's sleekness. In any case, the new GLA is a solid pick for an extra-small luxury SUV and compares well against the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the GLA-Class drive? The GLA 250, which is the model we tested, should be more than enough for the vast majority of drivers. Power is appropriate for the vehicle size, and it gets up to speed with ease. Our front-wheel-drive test vehicle needed 6.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is an average time for an extra-small luxury SUV.

The engine and transmission are mostly smooth, though you'll notice some engine vibration from the automatic engine stop-start system when it first fires up. The transmission can also be a little slow to engage when you mash the gas for a quick burst of speed.

Around turns, the GLA is stable and secure. Less impressive were the numbers during our panic-braking test, where the GLA 250 needed a long 138 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's longer than the braking distances from some full-size trucks we've tested. We suspect that's due to a lack of grip from the economy-biased tires rather than the brakes themselves. On the flip side, we found the brakes very smooth during everyday driving.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the GLA-Class? In close to base form, the GLA delivers a good amount of overall comfort. The MB-Tex simulated leather breathes well on hot days, and the seats provide plenty of support and cushioning for longer drives. Short and tall drivers should find the front seats to their liking thanks to the generous adjustment range and extendable thigh supports. Multi-contour seats with heating and ventilation are available as options.

The ride quality is pretty good too, with no harshness over road imperfections. Undulations can cause some moderate jostling, but the suspension strikes a good balance of handling and comfort. On the downside, road noise is noticeable and sometimes intrusive on coarse road surfaces. The engine sounds labored under hard acceleration, but it is otherwise well muffled.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The ride height and sensibly sized doors make it easy to get in and out of the GLA even in very tight spots. The wide adjustment ranges for the driver's seat allow you to select a more upright or reclined position with no compromise.

The primary controls are logically placed and easy to read. You control many of the secondary features with the infotainment screen and take little time to get acquainted with. The cabin is surprisingly spacious and airy considering the GLA's sleek profile. There's plenty of adult-sized space in the rear too. Visibility out of the front as well as to the sides and rear is clear, which helps with safety and parking.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The GLA gets high marks for its infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Mercedes' MBUX system is one of the easiest systems to use, with multiple control methods (touchscreen, trackpad, voice control and steering wheel thumb controllers). Voice commands are accurate but sometimes take a moment to process.

Disappointingly, the GLA is pretty light on standard advanced safety features. Only frontal collision mitigation and a blind-spot monitor are included unless you spring for some costly option packages. That's a little surprising these days when a Kia or Toyota comes with a full suite of driver aids.

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Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? Cargo capacity behind the rear seats is only 15.4 cubic feet, which is more in line with what we expect from a midsize sedan. It's accommodating but small compared to the cargo areas in some key rival SUVs. The low liftover height does make loading heavy objects easier.

Inside, there are moderately sized bins and pockets for your things. The cupholders feature some nifty spring-loaded tabs to better secure smaller beverages or personal items. A rubberized tray does a good job of holding a phone. It also serves as a wireless charging pad if you pick that option. Got small children? A rear-facing infant seat should fit without affecting front passenger space. The car-seat tether and anchor points are easy to find too.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive GLA 250 at 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway). We observed 31.2 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route that includes a fair amount of highway driving, indicating that the EPA's numbers are realistic. Overall, the GLA 250 is a little more fuel-efficient than rivals such as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.

Value

8/10

Is the GLA-Class a good value? The GLA's starting price is reasonable but doesn't include some features you'll probably want. Be prudent with your picks and your GLA should come in under $40K. The GLA is built just as solidly as any Mercedes-Benz, though there is more hard plastic inside. The good thing is those pieces are convincingly grained and aren't placed where we'd normally come in contact with them. It's a definite step up from the first-generation GLA.

Warranty coverage is a fairly standard with four years/50,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper as well as the powertrain. Roadside assistance is covered for four years/50,000 miles, but Mercedes doesn't give you any complimentary maintenance like some other automakers do.

Wildcard

8/10

In many ways, the GLA looks and drives like a fun-sized version of Mercedes' bigger GLC SUV, and that's a good thing. If you don't need the extra seating from the GLB or the extra space of a GLC, the GLA delivers a lot of luxury and tech for the money. While it's not particularly exciting to drive, it does what it needs to in regards to comfort and refinement.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class trim level differences

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is an extra-small luxury crossover SUV that comes in four trim levels: GLA 250, all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic, AMG 35 and AMG 45. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class trim levels in-depth.

Which GLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

Most drivers should be satisfied with the performance of the base GLA 250. Make sure to get the optional Driver Assistance package that adds some advanced driver safety features such as traffic-adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. The Premium package, with its bigger touchscreen displays, is another recommended pick.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$208/mo

$221/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #4 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#4 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$544/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

0.72x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

6.1%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Recalls

8 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V732000
Number of vehicles affected:: 42742
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Defect Consequence:: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 31, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Number:: 22V365000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2022060005
Number of vehicles affected:: 234918
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Defect Consequence:: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.

Recall Number:: 22V232000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2022060007
Number of vehicles affected:: 126443
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

Recall Number:: 22V125000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2022030006
Number of vehicles affected:: 4
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 AMG CLA 35 and 2021 GLA 250 vehicles. The rear brake caliper housing fasteners may be loose, which can reduce brake performance or cause rear brake components to detach from the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:: Reduced brake performance can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, detached brake components can create a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash for other drivers.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners on the rear brake caliper housings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Number:: 21V354000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2021050012
Number of vehicles affected:: 343191
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Recall Number:: 21V102000
Number of vehicles affected:: 36
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain GLA250 vehicles. The ground connection for the front passenger air bag may not be mounted properly, which could result in an inadvertent deployment.
Defect Consequence:: Inadvertent air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury for an occupant in the front passenger seat, and increase the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action:: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ground connection for the passenger air bag and correct it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Number:: 21V072000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2021030005
Number of vehicles affected:: 67
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Defect Consequence:: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Recall Number:: 21V058000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2021020025
Number of vehicles affected:: 1292258
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Defect Consequence:: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Corrective Action:: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

21 reviews

5(85%)

4(0%)

3(4%)

2(4%)

1(7%)

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class videos

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier…

2021 GLA-Class Features & Specs

Type:

SUV

Trim:

GLA 250

Est. Market Value	$20,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the GLA-Class models:

Active Brake Assist: Emits an alert if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
Blind-Spot Assist: Signals the driver if a vehicle is in a blind spot or if a car or bicyclist is approaching from behind when the GLB is parked.
Active Steering Assist: Uses cameras and other sensors to help the driver keep the vehicle centered in its lane while cruising, even in gentle curves.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

Special offers available

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class trim level differences

Which GLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class videos

2021 GLA-Class Features & Specs

Safety

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