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.
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
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 the Mercedes GLB
AMG GLA 45 ride quality may be too stiff for some buyers
What's new
Dashcam no longer available for AMG trims
Part of the second GLA generation introduced for 2021
Overview
Buyers seeking a starter Mercedes will find plenty to like in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA. For one thing, it starts at less than $40,000. Second, it's an SUV — sort of. The GLA is based on the A-Class sedan but stands a little taller with fake skid plates, gray body cladding and optional all-wheel drive. It has a higher ride height and larger cargo area than the sedan, but similar coupe-like style with its tapering roofline. If you push your budget a little farther, you can add Mercedes' advanced gauge cluster display, larger central touchscreen and a premium sound system.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
So is it an SUV or just a high-riding hatchback version of the A-Class? It doesn't matter. It delivers traditional Benz goodness — soft, compliant ride, excellent interior fit and finish, advanced in-car and infotainment tech — in a stylish compact package at a reasonable price. If this diminutive Benz doesn't push your buttons, there are several alternatives including the more cargo-friendly Audi Q3, more romping BMX X2 or the stylish Jaguar E-Pace. The Lexus UX and Volvo XC40 are also worthy options. Among these rivals, only the BMW offers a performance-tuned variant that can match the AMG-tuned versions of the GLA. If the GLA sounds like a good fit, be sure to read our Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
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.
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 of 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
8.0/10
How comfortable is the GLA-Class? In close to base form, the GLA delivers a good amount of overall comfort. The MB-Tex synthetic 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.
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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, which doesn't take long 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 and to the sides and rear is clear, which helps with safety and parking.
Technology
8.0/10
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 warning 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.
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
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive GLA 250 at 28 mpg combined (24 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
8.0/10
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
8.0/10
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.
Which GLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?
If speed and performance are priorities, the AMG trims are the only way to go. Otherwise, get the GLA 250 with 4Matic. Even if you don't need all-wheel drive, the 4Matic comes with an off-road mode that helps control downhill speed and modulate power on slippery or snowy surfaces for better traction. It's also just a beat faster than the front-wheel-drive version. We'd add the Premium package for the larger displays, and Driver Assistance package (which requires the Multimedia package) for the additional driver aids. Even with all three of these packages, the price remains well under the base price for the AMG version.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class models
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a small crossover SUV available in GLA 250, AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLA 45 trim levels. In performance terms, think of them as mild, medium and hot. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is optional on the GLA 250 and standard on the performance-tuned AMG variants. Standard features include:
GLA 250
Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights, foglights and taillights
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Heated exterior mirrors
Power liftgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Synthetic leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front sport seats with driver memory settings
The GLA also includes the following technology:
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with twin 7-inch displays
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Mercedes Me connected services, including remote engine start (complimentary for one year, then a subscription is required)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
I bought a 2023 GLA35, what I thought was my dream car. Boy was I wrong.
The experience I have had with the brand new vehicle I bought from Carriage House of New London CT, has been excruciating. 9 month old car has been in their shop for 6 weeks and it took that long for them to figure out the issue. They took that car apart every which way from Sunday and put it back I don’t even … know how many times, and now they want me to take the car back and everything is ok? Everything is not ok. I am working with Mercedes USA in an attempt to get my money back because how can a brand new car be in the shop for 6 weeks. Merc USA has the abject worst customer service experience I have ever had. The only good experience I had was buying the thing and that HAD to be good because how else do they get you to buy an overpriced car.
The dealership gives you the option to email everyone that works there, so I emailed the owner about my ongoing (I think this qualifies as a lemon) issue, only to be called my the sales guy; I guess I am not worthy of the owners time. Trying to reach my ERM is like pulling teeth and when I was finally assigned one she told me it would take up to 8 weeks to review. So I get to continue to drive this deathtrap till Mercedes as a cooperation feels that I am worthy of any their attention.
Never ever ever buy a Mercedes. Ever. Anywhere I can post this review, there it will be. I have got nothing but the runaround from this company. The absolute worst.
Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, but since the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
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 parking and better gas mileage. What's not to like? In this video, Mark Takahashi runs down our choices for the best subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022. From the Subaru Crosstrek, the new Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona to the more luxurious BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, Mark gives a breakdown of each pint-sized SUV. What do we like and dislike about each? What should you know about them? How do they rank in each category? Mark explains all. So whether you're a first-time driver, you have a small family or you're just looking for something fun to drive, we've got you covered in this video of the 2021 Top Subcompact SUVs.
The Q3 starts at a lower price and includes more standard equipment than the Mercedes GLA, including leather seats and all-wheel drive. The cargo area is also substantially larger, and the Q3's tech and infotainment measure up well with the GLA's. If only the Q3 were more fun to drive, delivered better fuel economy, and had a larger back seat, we could easily recommend it over the Mercedes GLA.
Similar to the Audi Q3, the BMW X2 offers plenty of cargo space. Also, like the Mercedes GLA, the X2 has adequate room for passengers in the back seat. The BMW's real draw is in its handling and dynamic performance. It's just fun to drive, more fun than the GLA. In exchange, you need to tolerate a firmer ride quality. The Benz, by comparison, prioritizes a softer ride that pays off in most daily driving situations. The GLA's cramped cargo area is a significant drawback compared to the X2, though.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The GLA doesn't offer much cargo space. The solution within the Mercedes-Benz family is the GLB. It sits on the same platform and uses the same powertrains as the GLA, but its taller roofline and boxy dimensions give it extra interior and cargo space. You can even get a third-row seat in the GLB. The GLB isn't quite as stylish as the GLA, but if that's not a priority, the GLB helps reclaim some utility.
Automatic collision notification system with an SOS emergency call button. Service is active for as long as you own the GLA.
Pre-Safe Sound
Standard feature that emits a special noise during a collision to protect your hearing during the impact.
Active Emergency Stop Assist
When using adaptive cruise control and lane centering systems, this feature detects an unresponsive driver and brings the GLA to a safe stop.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 GLA-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLA-Class has 19.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class:
Dashcam no longer available for AMG trims
Part of the second GLA generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLA-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLA-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 GLA-Class and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 GLA-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,500.
Other versions include:
AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $49,500
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the next question is, which GLA-Class model is right for you? GLA-Class variants include AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). For a full list of GLA-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 info
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