2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$36,230 to $54,500

Original MSRP

7.5
of 10

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(10 reviews)
7.5
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Test Drive Review summaryImage

The Mercedes-Benz GLA was completely redesigned for the 2021 model year, taking it from a mundane, high-riding hatchback to a zippy, more traditional small SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers on all thing things a subcompact SUV is supposed to do. It’s cute, compact (but not cramped), and easily maneuverable. The new, eighth-generation GLA gives customers a lot of what they expect but also lacks the refinement of other Mercedes models.
7/10

The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s looks and body styling have been made modern with the new generation of the model. Its proportions and styling make it easy to see where its slot in the Mercedes lineup is as the smallest SUV offered, below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB (and all their respective variants). It's the entry-level model in the Mercedes SUV lineup.

Its wheelbase and exterior measurements put the GLA on the larger side of the subcompact class. It's about the same size as the BMW X1.

The new GLA is 7.6 centimetres taller and 1.2 cm shorter in overall length than its predecessor. The GLA has short overhangs and is wrapped in cladding, which adds to its beefier dimensions, with a wider track completing the elegantly muscular look. Though the windows look small to outsiders, the car’s seating positions and greenhouse provide ample visibility. LED headlights are standard.

Inside, the tester GLA 250 was filled with less-than-premium surfaces for the eye to settle on, including those that are easily scratched. This is an issue that the BMW X1 struggles with as well. The GLA's seats were the nicest appointed pieces of the interior, but passengers sit on those and don't spend much time looking at them before they do.

Though it looks good from a distance and in photos, the GLA doesn't measure up in person compared to other luxury crossovers. You can get a nicer interior on a mass-market model like the similarly sized Buick Encore GX or Nissan Qashqai, for the same price.

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Published Nov 24, 2021 by Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull is the Senior Editor of Autos at Newsweek and the former editor of AutomotiveMap. Her work has appeared in American City Business Journals, Trucks.com, CultureMap, InnovationMap, SportsMap, and U.S. News & World Report. She is also an on-air contributor to the SBNation Radio network.

User reviews for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA

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User rating:
by Sylvia H
Jul 19, 2024
Terrific! Very intuitive and super easy to drive. Love it! Bought it.Jul 19, 2024
by Anonymous
May 03, 2024
The car runs smooth, it’s great on gas & I love the interior May 03, 2024
by Sofia F
Apr 03, 2024
I was able to get a great deal on the vehicle and it was in stellar condition. I like all the technological features that it offers & how economic it is for a higher end & larger vehicle. I would defiantly recommend if you are looking g into smaller SUV’s Apr 03, 2024

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing

Original MSRP
$36,230 to $54,500
Price range
$33,476 to $36,521
Average price on CG
$33,582
YoY price change
$36,521 to $33,582

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.60

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent