2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Key Features
- Starting at $41,500 MSRP*
- 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo (221 horsepower / 258 lb-ft of torque) with 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and your choice of Front-Wheel Drive or 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive
- Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) featuring Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
- Standard remote start
- Standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display
- LED headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps, and taillamps
- Six-speaker stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional AMG® Line with Night Package
About the Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the ideal compact luxury SUV for city living with the available capability of 4MATIC® all-wheel drive to tackle any terrain you can imagine. The GLA may be small in size but it’s big on features with a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood and an interior packed with luxury and technology. Dual 10.25-inch displays provide necessary information to the driver and the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) features a voice-controlled assistant that responds to commands such as “Hey Mercedes, take me home” or “Hey Mercedes, I’m cold.” LED exterior lighting is standard as well as remote engine start and a six-speaker stereo with Bluetooth®, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay capability. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is poised to be your perfect sidekick for adventures large and small with unmistakable style that you can’t miss. A selection of attractive 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels allows you to personalize your GLA with a style that’s all your own.
What the Critics Say
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a good luxury subcompact SUV. It's easy to live with day to day, thanks in part to satisfying acceleration, good fuel economy, and a balanced ride. Throw in a slick infotainment system and comfortable seating, and it emerges as a fine overall package." — U.S. News & World Report
The smallest and most affordable offering in the vast Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup is the GLA-Class. This small and spunky crossover does a great job embodying the elegance of the Mercedes-Benz brand in the form of a subcompact SUV. The interior is luxurious and roomy for its size, and it's packed with modern technology that's easy to use." — Kelley Blue Book
What’s New for 2026
Only slight adjustments have been made to the dynamic Mercedes-Benz GLA for the 2026 model year. First, a new AMG® Line Lite appearance package has arrived for 2026 at no extra cost. Buyers receive a stylish rear spoiler and unique 19-inch alloy wheels by selecting this package. Similarly, a new Midnight Edition adds a mysterious look to the GLA when selected. Now available as a standalone option are Night Package exterior accents and Sage Grey/Black MB-Tex upholstery.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Features
Sleek Styling & Dynamic Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a handsome, rugged exterior that manages to stand out from the ordinary. This sophisticated machine is subtly styled to combine the boldness of an SUV with a vehicle that is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. Surprisingly, its shape is quite aerodynamic which allows the GLA to boast its fuel economy of up to 26 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined. Despite its economical MPG ratings, the GLA does not slouch when called into action. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is smooth and responsive, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels or all four when equipped with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. All 4MATIC® models include the Off-Road Engineering package which offers an off-road driving mode to make the Mercedes-Benz GLA even more sure-footed when faced with difficult terrain.
Luxurious Interior
The comfortable, luxurious interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers more interior room for people and cargo than ever before. Despite the small size of the GLA, occupants are treated to high-quality leather and other premium materials along with plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room to stretch out. A newly designed load floor sits flush with the sill which makes loading and unloading large, heavy items easier than ever before. Combined with the flat-folding second-row seats, GLA buyers will be treated to lots of useful cargo room – over 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. Controls and vents are positioned for easy accessibility and operation. While it may seem pretentious to describe the Mercedes-Benz GLA interior as an “ergonomic masterpiece,” the superlative certainly applies. One drive in the GLA is all it takes to experience the joy of owning a Mercedes-Benz.
Your Personal Assistant
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, abbreviated MBUX. This groundbreaking infotainment system utilizes HD screens and graphics with customizable displays, a full-color head-up display, navigation featuring augmented reality, and learning-capable software. The result is an in-car infotainment experience like never before. By simply speaking the “Hey Mercedes” prompt, your GLA can set a navigation route, change the climate control temperature, or change radio stations. You can do all of this with conversation voice prompts that your vehicle understands, allowing you to focus on driving without having to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. A pair of 10.25-inch screens provide necessary information and controls to help keep you informed and engaged when behind the wheel. An optional heads-up display further augments the capabilities of the MBUX system.
Cutting-Edge Driver Assistance Technology
The cockpit of the Mercedes-Benz GLA is driver-focused, allowing you to remain in control at all times. In addition, a suite of standard and available driver assistance technologies keeps you and your passengers safe while you drive. All GLA models come standard with Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Braking Technology with Hill-Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, and ATTENTION ASSIST®. ATTENTION ASSIST® monitors you as you drive and alerts you if you are too tired to continue. For even more tech, an available Driver Assistance Package includes Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and more. During evasive maneuvers to avoid impending danger, Evasive Steering Assist helps you steer around danger quickly. The system will help you steer around the obstacle and straighten your car out safely afterward.
Trims & Specs
GLA 250 SUV
- Starting at $41,500 MSRP*
- 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine with 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Active Brake Assist with adaptive braking technology
- Power front seats with 3-position memory and MB-Tex upholstery
- Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
- 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display
GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV
- Starting at $43,000 MSRP*
- 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with Off-Road Engineering Package
- Available Panorama roof
- Heated windshield washer system with rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Remote Start via Mercedes me Mobile App
- Optional Burmester® Surround Sound System
*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Actual vehicle price may vary by Dealer.
**Burmester® is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany