“I love my GLA 250. I do have to say I noticed that I hear a lot of wind noise though. If that was fixed It would be the only brand of vehicle I would ever consider again.”
Mercedes-Benz GLA: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact luxury SUV and the smallest SUV in the brand’s range. It is known for putting Mercedes design, comfort, and technology into an easy-to-park package built for everyday driving rather than rugged use.
Since its 2015 U.S. debut, the GLA has served as an entry point to Mercedes SUV ownership. The first generation felt more like a raised hatchback, while the 2021 redesign made it taller, roomier, and more SUV-like. Across both generations, the focus has stayed on premium everyday comfort in a small footprint.
Strengths
- Its tidy size and nimble road manners make it easy to park and manage in daily traffic.
- The 2021 redesign brought a more upright cabin and substantially more rear-seat space than the first generation.
- Cargo space is flexible for a small SUV, reaching 50.5 cubic feet in the 2026 lineup.
- The gas-powered 2026 models are rated at 33 to 34 mpg on the highway, depending on drivetrain.
- Since the 2024 update, regular GLA models have paired two 10.25-inch displays with wireless smartphone integration.
Who it's for
The GLA fits city and suburban drivers who want Mercedes style and cabin technology without the bulk of a larger luxury SUV. It makes the most sense for commuters, couples, or small households that value easy parking and flexible interior space more than off-road ability.
Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup
The GLA 250 is the core model, with the lineup’s everyday balance of comfort, efficiency, and compact size. The GLA 250 4MATIC keeps the same basic character but adds all-wheel drive, so pick it when extra traction matters. During parts of the GLA’s history, AMG versions sat above these models as much quicker, performance-focused alternatives. Those AMG models are separate from the regular GLA 250 pair in the 2026 lineup.
Mercedes-Benz GLA generations
From 2015 to 2026, the GLA spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — H247 arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation — X156 (2015-2020).
2nd Generation — H247 (2021-Present)
The second-generation GLA has a taller, more upright shape, a longer wheelbase, and more rear-seat room than the original. It also brought a twin-screen dashboard, a 221-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. A 2024 update revised the styling and made dual 10.25-inch displays standard.
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2026
The core lineup carries over, with only package and appearance choices adjusted.
2025
The refreshed styling, dual 10.25-inch displays, and wireless smartphone connection carry over from 2024.
2024Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling joins dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless smartphone connectivity, and more standard convenience and safety equipment.
2023
The lineup carries over without meaningful model-wide changes.
2022
The second-generation design, powertrain, cabin layout, and core technology carry over.
2021New generation
A full redesign brings a taller, more SUV-like shape, more rear-seat room, a modern twin-screen cabin, and a stronger 221-hp turbo four-cylinder engine.
1st Generation — X156 (2015-2020)
The original GLA has hatchback-like proportions with raised ride height and turbo four-cylinder power. Its 2018 update revised the exterior and added a larger standard center display, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate.
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2020
The first-generation design and 208-hp turbo four-cylinder powertrain carry over for this final year.
2019
The post-refresh lineup carries over without meaningful updates.
2018Mid-cycle update
Updated bumpers, grille, wheels, and taillamps join a larger 8-inch center display, clearer gauges, a standard rearview camera, and a power liftgate.
2017
The lineup carries over without significant changes.
2016Trim changes
More comfort and technology arrive, including keyless start, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch display, and selectable drive modes.
2015New generation
The GLA launches in the U.S. as a small luxury SUV with turbo four-cylinder engines, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and standard collision-warning and driver-attention features.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA an SUV or a hatchback?
The GLA is Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV, though the first generation has a lower, more hatchback-like shape. The second generation is taller and more upright, so it looks and feels more like a conventional small crossover.
What is the Mercedes-Benz GLA known for?
The GLA is known for putting Mercedes design, cabin technology, comfort, and flexible cargo space into a small footprint. Its focus is easy everyday driving and parking rather than rugged trail capability.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA a good city car?
Yes. The GLA’s compact size and nimble road manners make it easy to maneuver and park, while its raised crossover body provides more everyday versatility than a small sedan.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA practical for a small family?
Yes, especially the roomier second generation. It has five seats, a flexible cargo area, and a more upright body than the original GLA. It suits a small household better than shoppers who regularly need the space of a larger SUV.
How many generations of the Mercedes-Benz GLA are there?
There are two generations in this model history. The first ran from 2015 through 2020. The second arrived for 2021 with a taller shape, more rear-seat room, and a newer twin-screen cabin, then received a light update for 2024.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA come as a hybrid?
No hybrid is identified in this GLA model history. The regular GLA 250 models use turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines, and the latest lineup is gasoline-only.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The GLA 250 4MATIC uses all-wheel drive, while the regular GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive. The early GLA 45 AMG performance model also used an AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
4.1
Mercedes-Benz GLA
(3,226 reviews)
“It's the perfect size crossover. It still has the same feel of driving a car but has the durability of an SUV”
“Get the vehicle it is great both on highways and city streets and easy to find parking as its the perfect size.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the handling and overall driving experience. Smooth acceleration, economical for its HP output plus the appearance, fit and finish. Lots of nuanced features that weren't apparent until experiencing them.”
“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.”
“Best Hot-hatch around (although MB states it is a CUV??). It is not a CUV. It is a hatchback that performs with the likes of the Golf R, Civic Type R, and Ford Focus. Although the interior amenities are lack luster, the performance outweighs it.”