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.
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.
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
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 35 is pricey and lacks real driving excitement
What's new
Refreshed front and rear styling
New 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrains
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration is now standard
Extra-spicy AMG GLA 45 model discontinued
Part of the second GLA generation introduced for 2021
Overview
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
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.
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 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. 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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $4,914 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,914 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLA 35 trim.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class pricing in Ashburn, VA
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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.
Which GLA-Class 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.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class models
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:
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
Automatic high-beams
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Heated exterior mirrors
Power liftgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Synthetic leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Push-button start
Interior ambient lighting
Power-adjustable front sport seats with driver's seat memory settings
The GLA also includes the following technology:
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Mercedes Me connected services, including remote engine start (complimentary for one year, then a subscription is required)
Wireless charging pad
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
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)
At age 74, I traded my ferocious '19 Z06 Corvette M7 even up for a loaded 2021 GLA 45 AMG. I immediately noticed the comfort and manners of the Mercedes, and decided I could live with a 12.6 1/4 mile instead of the 11.0 1/4 of said Corvette. Of the 17 new cars I've owned, this is the best. Comfort, sportiness, decent fuel economy, utility. And with Race Mode, it launches HARD. I had no … issues with the new car, and it hasn't had to go back to the dealer for anything. And no rattles! Solid as a bank vault. Despite getting absolutely no press, I consider this as close to a perfect vehicle as there is, when you consider utility, comfort, efficiency, size, and performance. Is it more expensive? Sure, but it isn't unreasonably so. Have I mentioned that I love it??
Mercedes somehow squeezed a big car into a small car! This tiny SUV is classified a subcompact, but I'm 6'1 and have plenty of headroom, legroom, and shoulder room front and back. It's high enough that it's easy to get into and out of and to see out of. It's built very solidly, has a peppy but full efficient engine, and 4-matic for Colorado mountains and weather. And the Burmester … sound system is just about the finest I've ever heard. The only negative is price, which rises quickly with options. Got mine for $47K and change with 4-matic, panoramic moonroof, premium package, and the Burmester. Feels a little high. But, hey, it's a Mercedes. And it feels like one, albeit in a small package.
UPDATE AFTER 6 MONTHS: Still very happy with this car - - manages the mountain roads over Loveland Pass in bad weather, comfy, fun to drive, enough room in the back for ski stuff or german shepherd (but not both). It was this or the GLB and having driven a GLB loaner (while my wife's GL was in for service) I made the right choice, driving dynamics of the GLB totally different - - more like a truck than the GLA which feels like a GTI on the road. My only wish? A 5 speed manual transmission option. Alas, the manual transmission is disappearing.
I had been searching for an upscale small SUV for much of 2020. In early summer I researched and did 1-2 long test drives with a BMW X1, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, Lincoln Corsair, and Mazda CX-5 and CX-30. At that time the all new 2021 Mercedes GLA was not yet in US showrooms.
None of the luxury brand vehicles available in early summer sold me for the price. The Volvo, Lincoln, and Audi were … all lovely inside and feature rich but lost me on the test drive. The BMW had the ride, handling, and powertrain I liked best (and the most straight forward infotainment and nav system to use when driving), but I couldn't find one equipped the way I wanted and was also concerned that that it was nearing the end of its model run and lacked some of the available features of the more recently redesigned competitor vehicles. The Mazda CX-5 was too big for what I wanted, but the Mazda CX-30 came closest to the feel of the BMW X1 at about 35% less MSRP so I bought one in July (you can see my review of it on this site). I had electrical system problems with it and was stranded three times, and was getting nowhere with the Mazda dealer who implied it was somehow my fault. I was frustrated and did not trust it, so I resumed a search in December that brought me to the GLA 250 4matic.
I have had the GLA 250 for about six weeks and absolutely love it. Zero issues or criticisms. The powertrain, steering, handling, and ride are exactly what I was looking for in a small, sporty, luxury SUV. I bought one pretty well loaded with most everything except the panoramic sunroof and AMG trim. Infotainment, navigation, and safety tech are all state of the art. The new MBUX interface is easy to use while in motion after a couple hours of study. While the Mazda CX-30 was good value and had a handsome interior, there is undoubtedly more content quality and features in the Mercedes GLA 250 that clearly differentiate the two.
The Mercedes dealer experience was probably the best of my life, and I am a senior and have purchased a lot of new cars in my years. I hands down would have bought the 2021 GLA 250 in July had they been available, and I am fortunate that I got a great trade value on my Mazda (only about 10% less than what I paid) that spurred me to proceed to flip it so soon.
Much like another reviewer here, we had test driven both the Volvo XC40 and Mazda CX-30 Turbo. While they were both great cars in different ways, they both had major flaws. The Mazda had bland interior options which really only allowed for choosing seat and headliner colors, the infotainment system was frustrating and was only controllable via the dial-interface, the headroom and rear … passenger cabin is smaller than a Ford Focus's, the whole car's windows were tiny and hard to see out from. And for a $35k car, the cheap exterior black cladding was and odd choice. And the overall look of the car, in my opinion, is fairly bland. It genuinely looks like a Mazda 3 Turbo with a 3" lift kit. Still the interior looked and felt high-quality, and is a huge step up for Mazda in the CUV market
The XC40 was a complete mess. The tire-on-road noise was very poor, the infotainment screen seems to be a cheap knockoff of Tesla's, some interior parts are really nice and some were sourced from Fisher-Price, the door cubbies are lined with bargain-bin RV carpet material, and all of the infotainment controls are buried deep in the sub-menus of the annoying touch screen. Great looking and powerful SUV, but that's about it.
While the lower-tier 2021 GLA's lacks some of the features of these other two cars, the interior quality and design is far beyond what they offer. I understand some buyers loath touch-pad controlled infotainment systems, but the Merc's was fairly easy to use. Especially if you're an Android user, the mouse-style controls seem to mirror that of stock Android controls. But if you don't like it, the screen is easily reachable from the driver's seat, and is a touchscreen. The interior design is unique, but not entirely cohesive. I would say the Mazda's interior design is like a new/modern mountainside suburb, and the Merc's design is like those random housing communities near the coast in L.A. I like it, but to each his own. The seats are fairly firm, especially if you opt for the ventilated seats, but their design is fairly comfortable. The headroom will work for anybody under 7' tall, and mostly the same for the rear seats and rear legroom. The exterior looks like Mercedes took their GLC, and used a machine to shrink it by 30%, then added normal size wheels/tires. I personally think the car looks better with the standard 18" wheels than the Fast and Furious 20+ inch options, the base wheels make it look more like an SUV rather than a massive hatchback. It has fair power, and the 8-speet dual-clutch is great for shifting yourself, but can be sluggish in auto-mode in certain situations.
Yes, this is far more expensive than other small SUV's made in Asia, especially when you start adding options. If you are considering the 2021 GLA, I'd suggest sitting in and driving your other considerations, then go take the GLA for a spin. The GLA we purchased had an MSRP of $45k, but we were able to knock off around $3k through a common "SuperCostShopperMart" auto-purchasing program included in the membership. The other factor is the auto-industry's poor supply of inventory at the moment, and finding other high-demand small SUV's is either difficult, or equally expensive. It's a decent option, and the base-model GLA's are a decent middle-ground between the economy options, and the spec'd-up versions of the luxury models.
Reliability is a long-term question, and we're just not there yet...
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLA-Class since its last redesign.
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 2024 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 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the company's smallest SUV offering in its expansive lineup of gas-powered and electric cars. For most buyers, it's the relatively low cost of entry (under $40,000) that makes the GLA attractive. Combine that with a premium interior and easy-to-use tech suite, and it makes sense that this pint-sized Mercedes is one of our favorite extra-small luxury SUVs.
We presume that the three trim levels will carry over into the 2024 model year for the GLA. That means we'll see the GLA 250, available in front- or all-wheel drive, and the two spicier AMG variants called GLA 35 and GLA 45. All models will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, with power ranging from 221 horsepower to a max 382 horsepower.
The GLA's two biggest competitors are the freshly redesigned BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLB and the Lexus UX. While the BMW is at the top of our rankings, the slightly larger GLB is sometimes enough to lure shoppers in its direction. That said, the GLA is lower-priced to start than both, only undercut by the UX.
Edmunds says
If you're looking for a no-fuss SUV that's compact enough to handle an urban environment with ease, the Mercedes GLA has a lot going for it.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?
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 32 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
What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class:
Refreshed front and rear styling
New 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrains
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration is now standard
Extra-spicy AMG GLA 45 model discontinued
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 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 32 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