2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class vs. Its Competition

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA200d (Euro-spec)
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wears crossover-ish, hatchback-like clothes, but drives and carries itself and stuff like a compact sedan.

In that way it’s like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, neither of which leaps to mind when considering “SUVs.” The BMW has uncomfortable front seats but more space in its new form; the Q3 does better on that front, but doesn’t excel on many.

The Infiniti QX30 is essentially a GLA with a nicer interior and a smarter style, but its brand prestige isn’t on the same heat map.

The Range Rover Evoque is a stiletto of an SUV with more room than the GLA, while Lincoln’s MKC is more a size rival for mid-size utility vehicles.

The Lexus NX? It has dramatic style, but it’s not terribly refined or, well, Lexus-like.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA200d (Euro-spec)2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class
Browse Used Listings		2018 Audi Q32018 Audi Q3
Browse Used Listings		2018 BMW X12018 BMW X1
Browse Used Listings		2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Browse Used Listings		2018 Lexus NX2018 Lexus NX
Browse Used Listings		2017 Lincoln MKC2018 Lincoln MKC
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
5.6
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class blends hatchback with crossover, with better than mixed results.
6.3
The 2018 Audi Q3 offers a fun-to-drive alternative to the entry compact luxury car, but with more utility. Versus its rivals, it delivers more ride comfort and interior refinement, but less fuel efficiency.
6.3
The 2018 BMW X1 is a compelling crossover pick for a budget BMW buyer who can’t do without a roundel.
6.8
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque gets a new lease on life this year with a good powertrain upgrade that helps it stay competitive. Of course, its looks help too.
6.5
The 2018 Lexus NX is an expressively styled and comfortable compact luxury crossover, but its mix of features faces significant new competitors this year.
7.0
The 2018 Lincoln MKC is a luxury compact crossover that’s a relative value compared to others. It’s an SUV with all the amenities, but without the cachet.
MSRP From     
$33,400$32,900$33,900$41,800$35,985$33,355
Gas Mileage     
22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 2WDCompact CarsLarge CarsSmall SUV 4WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicles 2WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
GLA 250 SUV2.0 TFSI Premium FWDsDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle5 Door SENX 300 FWDPremiere FWD
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFour Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySports Activity Vehicle5-DoorSport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Auto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class vs. 2018 Audi Q32018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class vs. 2018 BMW X12018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class vs. 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class vs. 2018 Lexus NX2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class vs. 2018 Lincoln MKC