“The car is small and has very little storage. So be prepared if you are going from a midsize car/SUV That has been my biggest adjustment. It is fun to drive and handles well.”
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a light equipment-update year. The main change is that navigation and satellite radio became standard across the lineup; otherwise, the GLA carried over from 2018.
About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA
1st generation (X156), post-2018 refresh, late-cycle year before the all-new 2021 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLA as its most compact SUV: a small premium crossover that mixes easy city size with a sportier, more car-like feel than a traditional small SUV. The brochure leans on turbo power, nimble handling, upscale cabin touches, and everyday usefulness such as a liftgate and folding rear seat. For most shoppers, the GLA’s appeal is Mercedes styling and features in a smaller footprint that is easier to park and live with daily.
The GLA 250 is a compact, city-friendly SUV with a premium cabin, a 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an 8-inch center display, power front seats with memory, and a power liftgate. The GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive, while the GLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for better traction on wet or snowy roads.
What changed, by category
Tech
Navigation and satellite radio changed from optional to standard across the lineup.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/7G-DCT | Automatic, 7-Spd w/7G-DCT |
| 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 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2019 and 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The main difference is that the 2019 GLA made navigation and satellite radio standard across the lineup. Its engine choices, styling, safety equipment, and underlying structure otherwise carried over from 2018.
Did the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2019 GLA kept its 208-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Did the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA receive new safety features?
No major lineup-wide safety features were added for 2019. Active Brake Assist, which can help reduce the severity of a forward collision, remained part of the GLA's equipment.
Was the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA redesigned?
No. The 2019 GLA remained part of the first generation and carried over the styling and structure introduced with the 2018 refresh.
What is the difference between the 2019 GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC?
The drivetrain is the key difference. The GLA 250 has front-wheel drive, while the GLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive; both use the same 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
4.1
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA
(257 reviews)
“Make sure to get the adaptive cruise and lane keep because Mercedes doesn't make basic features standard for some reason.”
“The GLA250 is a multi configurable comfortable ride that will leave you addicted to running errands, for everyone.”