2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA

For years, Mercedes-Benz SUVs were out of reach for entry-level luxury buyers, but that all changed in 2014 with the introduction of the GLA. This small shares much with the slightly larger GLB, the four-door coupe CLA and the discontinued A-Class, and all of these more affordable Benzes were created to attract new shoppers to the brand. Ones who’ll someday trade up to the pricier GLE, GLS and G-Class models. Starting at under $39,000, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class delivers a solid package to the subcompact SUV class. 

This second-generation GLA-Class debuted in 2021 and shares its underpinnings with the slightly larger, boxier GLB. Compared to the first-generation GLA, which ran from 2014 to 2020, the current GLA is a massive improvement. That older GLA suffered from an overly stiff ride and a slow-to-respond transmission, undesirable characteristics in a premium vehicle that could easily dissuade many buyers. In addition, the current GLA also has quite a bit more rear passenger space, though it comes at the expense of cargo room.

It’s the GLA’s sleek shape that eats into cargo room, but it looks very much like a scaled-down version of the automaker’s flashy new EQE and EQS SUVs, which isn’t a bad thing. The 2023 GLA carries over unchanged from last year, though it did get roughly $1,100 more expensive with the model year change. As in previous years, the GLA is aimed at other entry-level luxe crossovers, a competitive field including the new-for-2023 BMW X1 as well as the Audi Q3, Lexus UX, Alfa Romeo Tonale and Volvo XC40.

A capable performer and light on its feet thanks to its small size, the GLA offers three basic configurations. All are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but select hardware and tuning tweaks tailor it for the task. The base GLA 250 has 221 horsepower, but there are two separate AMG variations. The AMG GLA 35 makes 302 while the GLA 45 belts out 382. These hotter GLAs are more fun, but they also cost far more, starting at $50,650. 

Most buyers will stick with the 250, but as good as it is when judged against its smaller competition, Mercedes’ own larger GLB offers a similar driving experience with more room. Standard equipment levels are good on both, and directly comparable. The two vehicles are also styled quite differently, but that’s a matter of taste. The base GLA 250 has a starting price of $38,650, while the GLB is about $2,200 more. There’s also an all-electric EQB available now that shares the GLB’s body, but it costs $53,800.

We’re confident that the base GLA 250 will satisfy most drivers’ appetite for performance, though some rivals, namely the X1, are more entertaining to drive. Standard equipment is okay for the class, but not outstanding, and the truly desirable advanced safety items are bundled with the optional $1,700 Driver Assistance package. All-wheel drive in the GLA 250 4Matic adds $2,000. If you don’t need the extra space of the GLB and like the slick looks of the GLA, it’s currently the least expensive way to get into a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, SUV or otherwise.

Performance: 12/15

The base 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The GLA 250 4Matic adds AWD for $2,000 extra. Mercedes estimates the GLA 250 will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is average for the class. The 4Matic’s added traction shortens that figure to 6.6 seconds, but the crossovers’ driving behavior doesn’t change much with it.

Despite the acceleration time, there’s a slight shudder from the automatic start/stop system and a brief delay in power delivery right off the line. It’s easy to get used to the momentary delay, but not everyone will enjoy that. A similar delay is sometimes present when summoning more power as the transmission takes a moment to select the right gear before making full power.

The AMG GLA 35 increases output to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and includes standard AWD. This quicker variant reaches 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The top-of-the-line AMG GLA 45 cranks out an impressive 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, and it can rocket to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, an impressive figure for any car, let alone a small crossover.

Those AMG variants further benefit from specific sportier tuning for the AWD system, transmission, brakes and exhaust. The AMG models also come with an adaptive suspension that allows the driver to select a softer or firmer ride quality, minimizing the sacrifices made to comfort in the name of handling. While the GLA 250 is a smooth mover over almost any pavement for its size, the AMG GLAs get pretty harsh on even lightly potholed roads.

Fuel Economy: 12/15 

The EPA says the base GLA 250 will return 28 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway). The added friction and weight of the GLA 250 4Matic’s all-wheel-drive setup slightly drops the fuel economy to 26 mpg combined (23 city, 32 highway). The AMG models’ added performance understandably reduces fuel economy, the AMG 35 registering a not-so-unreasonable 25 mpg combined (22 city, 30 highway). The AMG 45 drops considerably, to 22 mpg combined (19 city, 25 highway).

By contrast, the upright shape of the related Mercedes-Benz GLB takes a slight toll on fuel economy. The base model returns 27 mpg combined; adding AWD drops it to 25 mpg combined. The AMG GLB 35 wears a 22-mpg combined estimate. However, switching to the electric EQB 300 4matic greatly increases efficiency, delivering a combined 101 MPGe out of a 70.5-kWh battery pack, yielding a total range of 243 miles. 

Overall, these figures align with the competing BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The BMW X1 is rated at 28 and the Audi Q3 is just a tick less efficient at 26 mpg combined. Though, both come with AWD as standard. The 42-mpg-combined hybrid Lexus UX 250h blows all of these tiny SUVs out of the water, though it suffers from an uninspiring ride and even less cargo space. Alfa Romeo’s Tonale offers the only plug-in hybrid in the class, and in our testing hit 31 mpg combined.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 9/15

Neither the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have evaluated the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class yet. NHTSA did test the closely related GLB 250 4Matic and awarded it a five-out-of-five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal crash and rollover protection. The front-wheel drive GLB 250 received a four-star overall rating. The European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), an EU agency that performs similar tests, gives the GLA a five-star overall rating.

Disappointingly, the list of standard safety and driver assistance features is short. Only forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are included. The optional Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, evasive steering assist (swerves around a hazard when possible) and active speed limit assist, but it costs $1,700 extra. The Parking Assistance package ($1,090) includes a surround-view camera and a semi-automated parking system.

Not surprisingly, the GLB’s safety features are identically structured. The BMW X1 similarly includes lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and frontal collision warning as standard with the rest available as options. Lexus, Volvo and Alfa Romeo all offer more standard gear in this department.

Comfort & Room: 13/15

The GLA has plenty of space for the driver and front passenger, and the seats have sufficient adjustments to find one’s preferred position. The MB-Tex simulated leather upholstery is convincing to the touch and breathable on hot days. An optional multi-contour seat with more adjustments is available, as are heating and ventilation. 

The rear seats have enough head- and legroom for average-sized adults and compare quite favorably against rivals. The GLA provides 38.1 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom in the back, which is nearly as much s the GLB and Alfa Tonale. The BMW X1 has 39.3 inches of rear headroom but just 37 inches of legroom. Meanwhile, the Audi Q3 brings up the rear with 37.6 inches of headroom and 36.1 inches of legroom. Lexus’ UX is way behind with a paltry 33.1 inches of rear legroom and 36.3 inches of headroom.

Infotainment: 14/15

The GLA’s standard 7-inch touchscreen is on the small side, but the optional Premium package ($1,850) bumps it up to 10.25 inches and adds power folding mirrors, keyless entry and start, a hands-free liftgateand a 115-volt AC outlet. The good news is that the screen size doesn’t affect daily operation because the GLA’s MBUX infotainment system is highly refined and intuitive. 

Users can control it by four methods: via the touchscreen, a trackpad on the center console, tracepads on the steering wheel or voice commands. There are also plenty of physical buttons and switches to control climate and secondary functions, reducing distraction while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard.

The voice commands are helpful in many situations, but they’re only available when the system has access to cloud data. We prefer the console-mounted touchpad, which is significantly better than the notoriously awkward-to-use Lexus Remote Touch. The MBUX system uses on-screen hotspots that can be highlighted with swipes of the touchpad. In the Lexus, it features an on-screen cursor that is difficult to control while in motion. The most unique option is the Multimedia package ($1,300) featuring a navigation system with an augmented reality overlay that illustrates where to turn.

Cargo Space & Storage: 9/15

The GLA-Class can accommodate up to 15.4 cubic-feet of cargo behind the rear seats, which is way below average even among very small SUVs. That figure might be respectable for a midsize sedan but not a crossover. On the plus side, the low floor height makes loading heavier objects a little easier. The Mercedes-Benz GLB can hold up to 22 cubic-feet, while the Audi Q3 comes in at 23.7 cubic-feet, BMW taking top honors with 25.7 cubic-feet of cargo area. Similar to passenger space, the Lexus UX trails again with just 21.7 while Alfa Romeo offers 22.9.

Inside, storage for personal items is slightly better than average. The front cupholders feature spring-loaded tabs to better secure smaller beverage containers, and a rubberized tray helps hold phones in place. That tray can also house the optional $200 wireless charging pad. Otherwise, the center armrest bin and door pockets are relatively large.

Style & Design: 8/10

In many ways, the GLA shares styling cues from the more expensive GLC, but it also bears a striking resemblance to the EQE and EQS SUVs. All three feature a similarly graceful silhouette and tapering rear roofline. Those traits are even more evident when compared with the upright, boxy GLB. On the inside, the GLA is nearly identical to the GLB from the front seats forward, though the GLB does feature some added metallic accents. 

Despite being one of the most affordable vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, there are few sacrifices concerning quality. Most interior materials are comparable to its more expensive models, but there’s more plastic in the GLA and it looks more conventional.

The GLA’s most notable new competitors are the X1 and Tonale. While the Tonale looks great on the outside, it’s less interesting within. The X1’s handsome exterior looks like a larger, more expensive machine, and its refreshed interior, with a new curved-display dashboard and iDrive 8, is much nicer than these others.

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA Worth it? Which GLA is the Best Value? 

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is priced in line with similarly equipped BMW X1 Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 models, but the X1 offers standard AWD and doesn’t yet have additional trim lines. The GLB-Class costs $2,300 more, but the added cargo capacity justifies the price hike. The Lexus UX costs about $3,500 less while the plug-in hybrid Alfa costs about $3,500 more. Notably, both offer standard AWD like BMW.

We’re confident most buyers would greatly enjoy the base GLA 250 model, though 4Matic AWD is a great addition if for those who seek more traction in inclement conditions. Moreover, we suggest adding the Driver Assistance package to get adaptive cruise control and several other safety features. 

The GLA 35 and GLA 45 AMG variants may be enticing for drivers seeking more excitement, but they significantly move the bottom line, adding approximately $10,000 and $18,000 to the GLA 250’s $38,650 base price. We would also suggest checking out the 2023 BMW X1 since it offers a solid amount of engagement and a muscular design without pushing the price much higher.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?

According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of about $2,200 for the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, $2,650 for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and $3,018 for the GLA 45, though this averages all 50 states. A Mercedes-Benz GLB owner might pay over $2,280 per year, while the BMW X1 is $2,172, the Lexus UX $2,190 and the Audi Q3 $2,236. For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.