Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting snugly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were distinct, with a taller stance and shorter length compared to its predecessor, giving it a beefier appearance. Despite its elegant muscular look, the interior left much to be desired with less-than-premium surfaces, although the seats were well-appointed. The GLA's exterior was complemented by standard LED headlights, but the overall impression in person didn't quite match the luxury crossover standard, with some mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims, Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy, both exuding style and presence. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile was enhanced by body-colour, heated side mirrors, and acoustic side glass, contributing to a handsome rear view with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with its organic design and thoughtful storage solutions, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants, with the GLA 250 4MATIC powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLA 45 variants provided more power, with the latter achieving 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Despite its performance capabilities, the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise, and its steering was numb, typical for its class.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, along with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, ensured the Palisade never lagged, whether in town or on the highway. The hybrid system optimized power distribution, contributing to impressive handling and fuel efficiency. Inside, the Palisade offered a quiet cabin, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass, although the engine's thrum was noticeable under hard acceleration. The steering was sharp, providing a responsive driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with fantastic headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats, with a 40/20/40 split-fold, offered more legroom than before, making them comfortable for smaller adults. The GLA's cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded, providing ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. While second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery's position, the third row provided adequate space, although it lagged behind some rivals. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C outlets, and available captain's chairs. The interior was filled with convenient storage solutions, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, and wireless charging. The system was user-friendly, with voice-activated controls and a unique car-wash function, but lacked quick scrolling through radio stations.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid boasted a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims, along with a built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off, enhancing convenience for drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the GLA's safety features felt lacking compared to less expensive SUVs, with competitors offering more comprehensive standard safety packages.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.