2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Not so long ago, a Mercedes’ three-pointed star on a vehicle meant it was out-of-reach for the typical car shopper. And while that remains true for much of its lineup, it has recently introduced more affordable models positioned to entice buyers away from upstart entry-level luxury brands. With a starting price under $38,000, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class delivers a lot of luxury to the subcompact SUV class. 

This second-generation GLA-Class debuted in 2021 and is closely related to the boxier, slightly larger GLB-Class. Compared to the first-generation GLA, which ran from 2015 to 2020, the current GLA is improved by leaps and bounds. The previous GLA suffered from an overly stiff ride and an indecisive transmission, undesirable characteristics that could easily be deal breakers for many buyers. In addition, the current GLA also has quite a bit more rear passenger space, though cargo capacity is reduced slightly.

The GLA-Class receives a few minor additions for the 2022 model year. A new optional AMG Night package brings a more sinister look with blacked-out exterior trim. The Premium package now includes satellite radio, and in the GLA 250 models, that option also adds a household power outlet.

As good as the GLA-Class is, it’s not the best in its segment, but you won’t have to go far to find it. The GLA is essentially a more streamlined and sportier version of the boxier GLB-Class. Both vehicles have nearly identical driving dynamics and features, but the GLB’s shape pays dividends regarding cargo space, providing almost 43 percent more capacity.

The base GLA 250 has a starting price of $37,450, including the $1,050 destination fee, and comes standard with plenty of convenience features. However, most of the desirable advanced safety items are bundled with the optional Driver Assistance package, which adds $1,700 to the bottom line. All-wheel drive in the GLA 250 4Matic is an additional $2,000 but is standard on the Audi Q3. There are also two higher-performance AMG variants with more power and sharper handling. Though all three trims use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, select hardware and tuning tweaks tailor it for the task. The base GLA has 221 horsepower, the AMG GLA 35 makes 302 and the AMG GLA 45 belts out 382.

We’re confident that the base GLA 250 will satisfy most drivers’ appetite for performance, though some rivals in the class are more entertaining to drive. These include the returning Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Lexus UX, though the UX gets a big update for 2023 and the X1 a complete redesign. If it were our money, we’d spend another $2,200 to get the more accommodating GLB, which also offers a teeny-tiny third-row option. There’s also an all-electric EQB version due to go on sale this year.

Performance: 12/15

The base 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. The GLA 250 4Matic adds all-wheel drive (AWD) for a $2,000 upcharge. 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 time to 6.6 seconds. 

There’s a slight shudder from the automatic start/stop system and a brief delay in power delivery right off the line, but it’s easy to get used to that little pause in no time. A similar delay is sometimes present when summoning more power as the transmission takes a moment to select the right gear before getting on full boil.

The AMG GLA 35 increases output to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 4Matic AWD is standard and helps this variant reach 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 should hit 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds, an impressive figure for a utility figure of any size or pedigree

Those AMG variants further benefit from specific sport tunings for the AWD system, transmission, brakes, and exhaust. They 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 cornering performance. 

Fuel Economy: 12/15 

The EPA estimates the base GLA 250 will return 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg in combined driving. The GLA 250 4Matic drops slightly to 23 city, 32 highway and 26 combined. The AMG models’ added performance understandably reduces fuel economy, the AMG 35 registering a not-so-unreasonable 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined, while the AMG 45 returns 19 city, 25 highway and 22 mpg combined.

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. 

Overall, these figures align with the competing BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The BMW X1 is rated at 27 combined for the front-wheel-drive model and 26 combined for AWD. The Audi Q3 is just a tick less efficient at 26 mpg combined for the front-drive version and 24 mpg combined for the higher-performance SQ3. The 42-mpg-combined hybrid Lexus UX 250h blows all of these tiny SUVs out of the water but isn’t as exciting to drive as they are and is smaller inside.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) 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. We expect the GLA to perform similarly. The European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), an EU agency that performs similar tests, gives the GLA a five-star overall rating.

The list of standard safety and driver assistance features is on the short side, including only forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package ($1,700) adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, evasive steering assist (swerves around a hazard when possible), and active speed limit assist (adjusts speed to match the posted limit). 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 some features as standard, with the rest available as options. The Audi Q3 has a few more features as standard as you progress up the trim levels.

Comfort & Room: 12/15

The GLA has abundant space for the driver and front passenger, and the seats have enough adjustments to find your preferred position. The MB-Tex simulated leather upholstery is convincing to the touch and breathes well on hot days. An optional multicontour 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 favorably against rivals. The GLA provides 38.1 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom in the back. The GLB has it beat by a small margin, with 39.3 and 38.1 inches, respectively. The BMW X1 has 39.4 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 far behind with only 33.1 inches of rear legroom and 36.3 inches of headroom.

Infotainment: 14/15

The standard 7-inch touchscreen is small by today’s standard, but the optional Premium package ($1,850) bumps it up to 10.25 inches and adds power folding mirrors, keyless entry and start, hands-free liftgate operation and 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 one of the best. Users can control it by four methods: via the touchscreen, a trackpad on the center console, some tracepads on the steering wheel or via 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 similar controllers from Lexus or Acura. The MBUX system uses on-screen hotspots that can be highlighted with swipes of the touchpad. The others feature an on-screen cursor that is difficult to control while in motion. Adding the Multimedia package ($1,300) will get you 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 below average for the class. That figure might be respectable for a midsize sedan but not a crossover SUV. On the plus side, the low floor makes loading heavier and bulkier objects 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 27.1 cubic-feet of cargo area. As with passenger space, the Lexus UX trails again with 21.7.

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 keeps your phone from sliding around. That tray can also house the optional wireless charging pad. Otherwise, the center armrest bin and door pockets are relatively large.

Style & Design: 8/10

In many ways, the GLA is styled much like the larger and more expensive GLC, with a similarly graceful silhouette and tapering rear roofline. Those traits are even more evident when you compare them against the related GLB, which goes with a more upright and boxy shape. On the inside, the GLA is nearly identical to the GLB from the front seats forward, though the GLB does feature some additional chunky 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, though there are more plastic elements. The BMW X1’s interior isn’t as tech-forward as the GLA, but features are comparable, as is the ease of use. The Audi Q3’s cabin has a more futuristic look, but it takes a bit longer to get acquainted with all of its systems and controls.

Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Worth it? Which GLA is the Best Value? 

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is priced in line with similarly equipped BMW X1 and Audi Q3 models, which holds true as you get into the higher trim levels. The GLB-Class costs about $2,000 more, but the added cargo capacity justifies the price hike. Each of these entry-level SUVs represents an affordable introduction to these European luxury brands with only minor sacrifices to refinement.

We’re confident that the base GLA 250 will satisfy most drivers, though 4Matic AWD is a good addition if you’re seeking a bit sportier vibe or if you live in a region prone to foul weather. In addition, 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 move the bottom line significantly, adding approximately $10k and $18k to the GLA 250’s $37,450 base MSRP. We would also suggest checking out the BMW X1 since it offers a good amount of engagement without pushing the price higher.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2022 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.