2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV is still going strong two years after entering its second generation, winning hearts and minds with its suave styling, upscale cabin, and refined powertrain. It's not the sportiest premium crossover in the USA, with strong contenders like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 making a claim to that throne, but in GLA 250 form, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produces more than enough thrust at 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Available with both front- and all-wheel drive, the GLA-Class provides an affordable entry-point to Mercedes SUV ownership, but in its second generation has moved away from being a raised hatchback and transitioned to a more formal luxury crossover offering. Providing all the latest Mercedes-Benz technology with multiple screens and AI-based infotainment controls, the GLA-Class is a consummate all-rounder that raises the standards in the small premium SUV segment.

The Mercedes GLA 250 SUV is all sleek lines and sensuous curves, from the rounded front fascia to the sloping rear roofline. The large wheel arches house 18-inch alloys, though 19- and 20-inch AMG variants are available. The exterior lighting is all-LED, including headlights framing the broad diamond-block grille, fog lamps set low down in the front bumper, and daytime running lights. The rear is less busy, with LED taillights set high up on the fascia and dual exhaust outlets at the very bottom. It no longer looks like an A-Class on stilts, and now has a styling language all of its own. A panorama roof that allows more light into the cabin is optional.

As the smallest SUV from the German automaker, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV measures just 173.6 inches from nose to tail, with a 107.4-inch wheelbase. The vehicle stands 63.5 inches tall and is 72.2 inches wide without mirrors (79.5 inches including them). Those dimensions make it easy to drive and position the GLA in congested cities. Mercedes has not confirmed the curb weight for the new year, but with no changes to the standard setup, it should be the same as 2021. This would mean that GLA 250 weighs 3,384 pounds, while the GLA 250 4Matic weighs 3,494 lbs.

Only the AMG variant receives a new paint color this year, so the standard GLA-Class still has the same palette of nine colors to choose from. These include two no-cost options: Polar White and Night Black. All the remaining paints have a metallic sheen and will add $720 to the final bill. These include Cosmos Black, Rose Gold, Digital White, Mountain Grey, Denim Blue, Iridium Silver, and Patagonia Red.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV makes use of a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that develops a reasonable 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. You get a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the former achieves a 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds, while the latter shaves off two tenths. This improvement in performance is minimal, and the only reason to go for the 4Matic is if you really need the additional traction, since the SUV handles well regardless. Other SUVs have superior spec sheets when it comes to outright performance, though; the BMW X1 is quicker at 6.6 and 6.3 seconds, respectively, but in this segment, no single model truly outshines another as far as performance figures go. Around the city or on the highway, the Merc never feels lacking, although the suspension is biased towards comfort over outright dynamism. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

The only engine used in the standard GLA-Class is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gas unit that develops 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. This is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends the outputs to your choice of a front- or all-wheel drivetrain. Maximum torque is delivered low down from just 1,800 rpm, and while the transmission is extremely smooth, sudden throttle inputs can confuse it momentarily as it contemplates which gear to select. This doesn't dull the experience, however, and when driven in any sane fashion, the GLA's powertrain is smooth, refined, and agreeable.

Mercedes-Benz doesn't make clumsy cars; however, the majority of its vehicles are designed with a focus on comfort and compliance. While previously, the additional ride height on the GLA-Class only compensated for the shoddy suspension tuning of the base A-Class platform, the new generation provides an extra layer of plushness in the form of supple suspension, while the ride height merely amplifies the sense of comfort. It's not quite GLE-Class levels of comfort, but at this end of the spectrum, the bumps that do reach the cabin are not unreasonably obtrusive. The exception to this is when speccing any of the larger wheel options, as these add a sharp edge to the GLA's demeanor that isn't backed up by noticeably sharper handling. The ideal setup is the optional adaptive suspension with mid-spec 19-inch wheels.

Regardless, the GLA SUV is fun to drive up to seven-tenths, where the steering is well-weighted but lacks feedback, and where body roll starts to creep into the equation. Below this level, it's smooth, responsive, and unobtrusive, making commutes in the GLA fuss-free journeys.

The benefits of an entry-level vehicle from a premium brand include budget-consciousness in several areas, including gas mileage. The lighter, FWD-only GLA 250 SUV returns a respectable 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined. Equipping 4Matic AWD only results in a small drop in efficiency, managing 23/32/26 mpg. These figures are not only impressive in isolation but compared to its peers too, as BMW - typically the best in the segment in this area - can only manage 27 mpg combined with the FWD X1. The AWD X1 matches the AWD GLA with 26 mpg combined.

With its 12.7-gallon fuel tank, the compact crossover can travel up to 355 miles in mixed conditions before needing to top up.

Mercedes is perhaps most famous for the sumptuous interiors of its cars, and the GLA-Class is no exception to this rule. Aside from its flawless design and use of upscale materials, the interior of the SUV is quite spacious, though it can't match the sheer practical value presented but more budget-friendly, mainstream brands. The tech is where the vehicle shines, with a slick MBUX infotainment suite as the centerpiece. Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz has a habit of making you pay more than the already premium price to unlock some of the best features, which is why you get two small screens as standard with a whole lot of blank space surrounding them, while the twin 10.25-inch screens seen below are left to the options list.

The interior of the GLA looks and feels tighter than it actually is, but it's a mix of factors that make it seem as such. For one, the seating position is very upright, with the dash appearing closer to the occupants than it does in other Mercedes products. The large screen setup protruding from the top of the dash does little to reduce this effect. Despite this, it's easy for occupants to find enough space, although we wouldn't recommend long trips with three adults in the back seats. The front row enjoys the lion's share of the cabin space with 39 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom. Rear headroom is 38.1 inches, though a few inches of legroom are lost, leaving 38 inches remaining. The front seats are both power-adjustable as standard, with heating and ventilation of these seats being optional.

King of perceived quality, Mercedes has decked out the 2022 GLA 250 in a selection of materials that make it look and feel more luxurious than its base price suggests. As standard, the interior of the US-spec GLA comes dressed in MB-Tex synthetic leather. Color choices include Black and Macchiato Beige at no cost, while if you spec the $2,600 AMG Line styling package, Neva Grey/Black and Black MB-Tex/Dinamica with red stitching become available, also at no cost. For an additional $1,450, you can upgrade to genuine leather. Black and Bahia Brown are included but Titanium Grey/Black and Classic Red/Black require the AMG Line package. Leather also requires at least heated front seats at extra cost or both heated and ventilated front seats.

The trim inserts have fewer options at just four finishes. Spiral Look and Carbon Structure won't cost you anything, but the latter requires the AMG Line package. Natural Grain Black Linden and Natural Grain Brown Walnut wood are $325 extra. However, no amount of money can remove the gloss black plastic that surrounds the center stack. This looks good when new, but is a magnet for fingerprints and just looks tacky as time goes by.

Despite its SUV status, the GLA isn't the most practical of vehicles. Behind the rear seats are just 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. That's less than what the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 bring to the table, and minuscule in comparison to what non-premium options like the Honda CR-V deliver. Still, it is sufficient for a few carry-on suitcases and daily errands like shopping shouldn't be a problem. If you do need more space in a pinch, the second-row seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split to open up 50.5 cubic feet.

Around the cabin, there are enough nooks and crannies to store all your loose items. These include four door pockets, a center armrest storage bin, a pair of cupholders in front, and a standard glovebox. You can option on an adjustable rear middle seat with another cupholder.

No Merc leaves the factory without a long list of standard luxury, convenience, and safety features. Even as the entry point to the SUV lineup, the GLA has plenty to be proud of. The front seats are power-adjustable and include a memory function with three profiles, while the steering column is four-way manually adjustable. Other comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control and available heated seats. For added convenience, keyless entry and start, a seven-inch digital driver's display, as well as remote start and a power liftgate are all standard. The safety suite is commendable if a bit lacking in some areas, comprising forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, attention assist, and a rearview camera. This can be expanded upon with parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, active lane change assist, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display if you are willing to pay extra. Going all-in will see options like ventilated front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, dual 10.25-inch screens, a heated steering wheel, and surround-view camera become available.

The standard MBUX infotainment system is adequate but not exciting. The seven-inch screen feels too small, as the housing for it and the seven-inch driver display are encompassed in is actually ready-made for the larger screens. Still, even in base form, MBUX includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and Bluetooth. Four USB-C ports and six speakers are standard. The upgraded dual-10.25-inch displays are preferable, and navigation is available as well. They also fill the dash better and are better to operate. That said, there are several ways to interact with the infotainment system. The main touchscreen is the obvious option, but there is also a touchpad, steering wheel-mounted controls, and a voice command function. As far as available options go, a wireless charging pad is a $200 option and a 12-speaker Burmester sound system with 590 watts and a nine-channel amp is an $850 box to tick.

The GLA-Class has performed well in its new generation. At the time of writing, no recalls are present for the 2022 model year, although the 2021 model did see four recalls. These issues were for a rearview camera image that may not display, a front passenger airbag that could be improperly grounded, a troublesome emergency eCall system, and another separate recall that also pertains to eCall.

In its Mercedes-Benz GLA review, J.D. Power showed the vehicle be only average, with a 73 out of 100 rating for quality and reliability. Mercedes-Benz covers its vehicles with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty but doesn't offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.

While it is an entry-level model, neither the NHTSA nor IIHS has a review of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in its current iteration. This will likely change with time, but Mercedes would not put an unsafe car on the streets. Not even the European authorities have tested it yet, but safety reviews will roll in with time.

The GLA-Class SUV comes outfitted with a consignment of seven airbags: dual front, front side, side curtain, and a driver's knee bag. In a bid to make sure you never need these, electronic stability control and ABS brakes assist in keeping occupants safe, along with a slew of driver assists. These include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, attention assist, crosswind assist, and a rearview camera. You have to pay extra for the more advanced systems such as active steering assist, parking sensors, a surround-view camera, evasive steering assist, active lane change assist, and pre-safe plus.

There are not many contenders in the compact luxury segment, but the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 are both capable of giving the Mercedes GLA-Class a run for its money. But no matter how hard they try, these entry-level models struggle to bring the same levels of luxury and sportiness as their larger siblings. With the Mercedes option, you at least get a fair amount of tech and refinement, while the material choices and design elements imitate those of more expensive models very closely. However, you have to pay to play and get the best combinations of tech and luxury. However, the fundamentals are done right, such as a robust engine and a fairly intuitive gearbox. The suspension is a high point for the GLA. No longer does this try to be a high-riding A-Class, but instead, it focuses on being a plush crossover, especially on the smaller wheels.

Inside, it may be a little more cramped than some rivals, but the seats are comfortable, the ergonomics on point, and the levels of customization are high. The base price is almost certainly not what you'll pay, but if you want something that lives up to the luxury badge on its nose without any sporting pretense, you could do worse than the GLA-Class.

The starting price of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is reasonable for a premium vehicle in the USA. As the FWD version, the GLA 250 is the cheapest at $36,400, while the GLA 250 4Matic adds AWD for an extra $2,000 at an MSRP of $38,400. Both are more expensive than their respective BMW or Audi counterparts albeit by only a few hundred dollars. These prices do not include registration, licensing, or Mercedes' $1,050 destination charge.

Two models comprise the GLA-Class range: GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic. Both rely on the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine to provide 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox manages the shifts and sends outputs to the front wheels on the 250 or all four wheels on the 250 4Matic. In every other way, the two models are identical.

18-inch alloy wheels come standard, wrapped in all-season tires, while full-LED exterior lighting and rain-sensing wipers are included. Inside, the cabin is dressed in MB-Tex synthetic leather, with power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a seven-inch touchscreen display. Functions include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and HD Radio. The safety suite comprises forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, attention assist, and a rearview camera.

Mercedes gives buyers a number of ways to customize their GLA in the form of AMG Line exterior packages. The standard $2,600 package adds 19-inch AMG wheels, AMG body styling, a unique grille, a sport steering wheel, and aluminum paddle shifters. The $3,000 option adds the Night Package too with its gloss black exterior accents.

However, it is the feature packages that will really appeal to buyers, since they add many of the amenities that Mercedes strangely leaves off the standard list. The Premium Package ($1,750) swaps out the standard displays for a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also adds power-folding side mirrors, hands-free access, and keyless go. The Driver Assistance Package ($1,700, but requires both the Premium and Multimedia packages) adds a whole whack of features, including pre-safe plus with pre-safe sound, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active lane-keeping assist, and active lane change assist, among others. The Multimedia Package ($1,295, but requires the Premium Package too) is mostly pointless, adding MB navigation with augmented video, and speed limit assist. Your money would be better spent on the head-up display ($1,100), the Burmester sound system ($850), or the panorama roof ($1,500).

The only difference between the two GLA-Class models is their drivetrain, so the deciding factor will be whether or not you really need the added traction of the 4Matic. Otherwise, it comes down to which packages or options you should include. The one absolute must-have is the Driver Assistance Package since it adds so much value and takes much of the strain off driving. We'd also suggest the $990 Adaptive Damping System to smooth out road imperfections and the Premium Package makes the cabin a far more pleasant place to spend time thanks to the larger displays, while also adding some nice conveniences. Lastly, the Burmester sound system is hard to pass up if you're going to be hauling the whole family around regularly. All of this brings the price of the GLA to over $43,000 including the destination charge.

Like for like, the X1 is the direct rival to the GLA from German rival BMW. In its current form, it's genuinely spacious on the inside, with over ten more cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats than the Merc supplies. Performance-wise, it's marginally quicker to 60 mph thanks to a few extra ponies, but it also handles sweeter, albeit at the expense of relaxation and ride comfort. While the X1 has more space inside, the GLA does more to make the cabin attractive and comfortable. When you look at the two cars on paper, the X1 seems to make more sense, since it has the slightly better standard tech and more practicality, but once you sit inside them, it's hard to ignore the luxury appeal of the Mercedes. The differences won't be enough to sway fans of either brand away, but for first time-time buyers, we'd recommend the Mercedes GLA-Class.

One size category above the sub-compact GLA, the GLC-Class naturally has more interior and cargo space. However, it is also larger and more composed on the road, more easily smoothing over bumps and abrasions. With 255 horsepower, it has more grunt behind it too, though that isn't its greatest strength. Many of the features left off the GLA are added as standard here, like heated front seats, keyless go, parking sensors, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. In comparison, the GLA feels like a cheaper knockoff, albeit an impressive offering in itself. However, the GLC-Class is just better in every way, and it will cost you close to the same as our recommended build of the GLA.