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.Read full review
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the smallest SUV in the German automaker's lineup, slotting beneath the slightly larger GLB and well below the compact GLC. But in spite of its size, the GLA manages to deliver Mercedes levels of comfort and refinement. For 2024, the GLA receives a subtle refresh, which brings with it a 48-volt mild hybrid upgrade to the subcompact SUV's existing powertrains, a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and several other changes. Sadly, the 382-horsepower AMG GLA 45 is no more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2024 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. The engine and transmission are mostly smooth. The transmission can 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
8/10
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.
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 allows 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
8/10
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 serves as a wireless charging pad and does a good job of holding your phone. 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 (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
8/10
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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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class trim level differences
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a small crossover SUV available in GLA 250 and AMG GLA 35 trim levels. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is optional on the GLA 250 and standard on the performance-tuned AMG variant. Standard features include: Compare the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which GLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
One of the most attractive aspects of the GLA is its relatively affordable price, so unless you need more than 300 horsepower, we say go for the GLA 250. The base model packs a turbocharged four-cylinder with adequate thrust. It also comes standard with handy tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports and a 10.25-inch touchscreen running the easy-to-use MBUX infotainment system. We recommend getting the Driver Assistance package for advanced driving aids like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. If you live in a colder climate, consider adding 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Competitors to consider
The GLA competes with other subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40. It's also likely to be cross-shopped against the larger GLB, which shares the same platform but offers more space. The GLA has a lower starting price and gets slightly better fuel economy. Which one is the better buy? Read on for our Expert Rating to help you decide.
Edmunds spotlight: Engines and mpg
Both the GLA 250 and AMG GLA 35 receive mild hybrid electrification. That system uses a belt-driven starter-generator to quickly restart the engine from a stop and temporarily boost output by up to 13 horsepower under certain conditions. Additionally, the setup can shut off the engine when the vehicle is in motion, allowing it to coast until the gas pedal is pressed again. This functionality should give it a slight bump in efficiency, though EPA numbers have yet to be released.
Has clunk/rattle in rear when stopping/starting from slow speeds. Dealer claims it is rear camera and it CAN'T BE FIXED!!! Unbelievable and incredibly annoying. Have also complained to Mercedes National but no one seems to care.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 GLA-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 GLA-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the GLA-Class ranges from 15.4 to 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
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?
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 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 GLA-Class and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 GLA-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 GLA-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $41,850.
Other versions include:
GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $41,850
GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $43,850
AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $56,450
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 GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), and AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM). For a full list of GLA-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more