2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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Rating8.5

Ranked #1 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$32,500 - $34,500
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Athletic design elements

Some challengers have better throttle response

Default mbrace2 Connect package

Great fuel efficiency

Below-average cargo capacity

Updated options backup camera

Comfortable interior

Updated infotainment system

The new dynamic select drive-mode selector

Adjustable front-seat cushions, keyless start, and dual-zone automatic climate control are now standard features

Specs & Features

$32,500

price

208 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

torque

7-Speed Automated Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 7AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV is a proud member of the subcompact SUV segment, locking horns with cars like the BMW X1 xDrive28i SUV, the Audi Q3 SUV, and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque which has the highest base price tag and the most powerful engine among the bunch. With standalone trim, the GLA-Class carries a base price of MSRP of $32,500. Its 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission give the SUV 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With that, it manages a 0-60 of 7.2 seconds and boasts a maximum towing capacity of 3,968 pounds. Moving to fuel economy, the GLA-Class manages to get a combined EPA rating of 29 MPG, a number that is great for the class and highly improves the GLA-Class's practicality. It also has a ground clearance of 8.0 inches.

Buying Advice

To complement the GLA-Class’ features list, the Premium Package and the Driver Assistance Package are great choices. These add heated front seats, Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Lane Keeping Assist, and more.

Trims

    GLA 250
    $32,500 onwards
    • AM/FM/HD
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
    • Front & rear fog/driving lights
    • Mb-Tex leatherette Seat trim
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers

Compare to similar cars

Price

$32,500- $34,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.46

Horsepower

208 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$41,870- $57,230

Gasoline

7.8

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

252 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

7

Read Review

$33,700- $40,700

Gasoline

7.64

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

207 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,700- $71,500

Gasoline

8.63

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

300 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$34,800

Gasoline

7.98

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,995- $65,695

Gasoline

7.98

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,475- $60,775

Gasoline

7.69

240 hp @ 5500 rpm

250 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,900- $49,125

Gasoline

8.3

295 hp @ 6300 rpm

267 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$38,260- $55,970

Gasoline

7.95

303 hp @ 6500 rpm

278 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,260- $48,950

Gasoline

7.96

240 hp @ 5500 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.78 sec13.9 sec135 mph
    6.2 sec14.7 sec113 mph
    2016 BMW X1

    Ranked #2

    6.3 sec14.7 sec127 mph
    2016 BMW X5

    Ranked #2

    6.3 sec--
    6.3 sec14.9 sec-
    7 sec15.4 sec129 mph

    2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg35 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.330/462 mi.
      2016 BMW X1

      Ranked #2

      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg16.1 gal.354.2/515.2 mi.
      21 mpg30 mpg24 mpg18.5 gal.388.5/555 mi.
      20 mpg29 mpg23 mpg15.5 gal.310/449.5 mi.
      2016 Audi Q3

      Ranked #4

      20 mpg29 mpg23 mpg16.9 gal.338/490.1 mi.
      20 mpg27 mpg23 mpg19.2 gal.384/537.6 mi.

      2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        173.9 in.71 in.60 in.8 in.106.3 in.
        193.6 in.77.2 in.67.6 in.5.6 in.111 in.
        192.5 in.74.6 in.67.7 in.8.2 in.109.8 in.
        2016 BMW X5

        Ranked #3

        192.4 in.76.3 in.69.4 in.8.2 in.115.5 in.
        190 in.76.1 in.66.2 in.7.8 in.112.2 in.
        189.8 in.76.5 in.69.3 in.8.6 in.114.8 in.Jeep USA

        2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          14.9 cu.ft.-43.6 cu.ft.
          37.2 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.
          36.3 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          2016 Audi Q3

          Ranked #3

          16.7 cu.ft.104.8 cu.ft.48.2 cu.ft.
          2016 BMW X5

          Ranked #4

          35.8 cu.ft.94 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.
          18.4 cu.ft.121.3 cu.ft.56.3 cu.ft.

          2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            36.5 cu.ft.14.9 cu.ft.43.6 cu.ft.
            2016 BMW X5

            Ranked #2

            63.4 cu.ft.35.8 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.
            51 cu.ft.20.3 cu.ft.51 cu.ft.
            53.1 cu.ft.25.2 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.
            2016 BMW X1

            Ranked #5

            13.3 cu.ft.27.1 cu.ft.58.7 cu.ft.
            12.4 cu.ft.26.1 cu.ft.76.9 cu.ft.

            2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3306 lbs.1400 lbs.3296 lbs.
              6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4545 lbs.Jeep USA
              2016 BMW X5

              Ranked #2

              5952 lbs.1110 lbs.4680 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1464 lbs.4213 lbs.
              2016 Audi Q3

              Ranked #4

              4400 lbs.1874 lbs.3494 lbs.
              2016 BMW X1

              Ranked #5

              3968 lbs.900 lbs.3660 lbs.

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