“THIS CAR WAS A TREMENDOUS DISAPPOINTMENT IN TERMS OF THE CONFIGURATION OF THE INTERIOR - FEW PLACES TO STORE ANYTHING - FEW OR NO COMPARTMENTS (NONE BEHIND SEATS - POOR SPACE IN THE DOOR - CUP HOLDERS HORRIBLE - GLOVE COMPARMENT TOO SMALL - TRUNK HORRIBLY SMALL)- I WOULD NEVER GET ANOTHER ONE OF THESE CARS AGAIN.”
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a true carryover with no major product changes. Its main significance is that it was the final year of the first-generation GLA before the all-new 2021 redesign.
About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA
1st generation (2015-2020), final year before the all-new 2nd-generation 2021 redesign.
The 2020 GLA is Mercedes-Benz’s small, city-friendly luxury SUV. Mercedes’ brochure leans on bold SUV styling in a compact footprint, useful cargo flexibility, and a driving experience that feels lively rather than soft. Its appeal is getting Mercedes design, a punchy turbo engine, elevated seating position, and upscale touches in a smaller package than a GLC. The trade-off, noted by reviewers, is that rear-seat and cargo room are tighter than in newer rivals.
Mercedes positioned the 2020 GLA 250 as a small luxury SUV with bold styling, flexible cargo space, and an easy-to-drive footprint. Both trims have a 208-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, an 8-inch infotainment display, power front seats, Active Brake Assist, and a power liftgate; the GLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for extra traction.
2020 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 | 34 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 | 33.9 in | 33.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| 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 changed on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA compared with the 2019 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2020. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC kept the same engine, transmission, first-generation body, safety equipment, infotainment layout, and chassis design as the prior year.
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA redesigned?
No, the 2020 GLA was not redesigned. It was the final model year of the first-generation body, with the all-new second generation arriving for 2021.
What engine does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA use?
The 2020 GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC use a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This powertrain carried over unchanged from 2019.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA have all-wheel drive?
The 2020 GLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive, while the GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive. Both versions share the same 208-hp turbocharged engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA receive new safety or infotainment features?
No, there was no lineup-wide safety or infotainment upgrade for 2020. It retained standard Active Brake Assist and the same 8-inch COMAND-based infotainment layout, while blind-spot assist remained package-dependent.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
3.9
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA
(147 reviews)
“The GLA250 delivers performance and style in a beautiful package. The vehicle is easy to drive and fun! There is a heaviness that makes one feel safe being the wheel. I am very pleased with my decision.”
“I love my 2019 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 SUV. Fun to drive. There are a few improvements I would like, which are included in the new models. For example, not having a touchscreen for navigation, ease of entering addresses, etc. This is not a family car and is not big enough to have more than two people in the back row.”