“It's a great car to have. Nice drive and fuel efficient. The only problem Is the A/C unit is not that strong since the car is a 4 cylinder.”
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a quiet carryover with no major product changes from 2016. The same pre-refresh lineup and basic formula continue.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA
1st generation (X156, 2015-2020 US), pre-refresh year.
Mercedes positioned the GLA as a city-friendly luxury SUV that drove more like a sporty hatchback than a tall traditional crossover. The official brochure leans on compact size, turbo power, flexible cargo room, safety technology, and easy maneuverability. For most shoppers, the GLA's appeal was getting into the Mercedes SUV range in a smaller footprint: upscale design and everyday usefulness without moving to a larger, heavier model.
The GLA 250 is the straightforward front-wheel-drive model, pairing a 208-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission, a power liftgate, and a 7-inch center display. The GLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive, an off-road driving mode, downhill speed control, and an off-road information display for extra support in poor weather and on rough roads.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | 208 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 43.6 cu-ft | 43.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.1 in | 27.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA compared with the 2016 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2017. The GLA carried over with the same core trims, powertrain, styling, safety equipment, and in-car technology as the previous year.
Was the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA redesigned or refreshed?
No, the 2017 GLA was neither redesigned nor refreshed. It remained a pre-refresh version of the first-generation GLA.
Did the engine or all-wheel-drive lineup change for the 2017 GLA?
No, the powertrain lineup stayed the same for 2017. Both trims use a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission; the GLA 250 has front-wheel drive, while the GLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive.
What is the difference between the 2017 GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC?
The main difference is traction equipment. The GLA 250 has front-wheel drive, while the GLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive plus an off-road mode, downhill speed control, and an off-road information display.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
4.1
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA
(225 reviews)
“STYLISH, FUNCTIONAL, ECONOMICAL TO OPERATE ( 27MPG) AND A GREAT COMFORTABLE RIDE”
“It drives as smoothly as a Sedan but sitting higher as in an SUV provides a much better and safer overview of traffic.”