Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting seamlessly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were distinct, placing it below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions were on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was 7.6 centimetres taller and 1.2 cm shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that added to its muscular appearance. Despite small-looking windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. Inside, the GLA 250 featured less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the interior didn't quite match the luxury expected from a Mercedes, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors at similar prices.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the Crosstrek's tradition of evolutionary improvements, maintaining its attractive design. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar connecting to the headlights, creating a Cheshire cat-like smile. The black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with consistent material quality and thoughtful design. Canadian units featured black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to an airy atmosphere.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants: the GLA 250 4MATIC, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 4MATIC featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The AMG GLA 35 offered 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The GLA's AWD system could be adjusted through drive modes, and the vehicle featured hill-descent control. However, the GLA 250 experienced turbo lag and low-end gearing confusion during daily driving, with road noise permeating the cabin at high speeds.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine and an 118 hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system used two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided capable performance on variable terrain. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, with reduced body lean compared to older models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a more SUV-like seating position with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats, with a 40/20/40 split-fold, provided more legroom than before. The GLA featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded. This was average for its class, providing ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's trunk floor was not raised, allowing for 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, enabling a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging, cupholders, and deep door pockets.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. The system included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, wireless charging, head-up display, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with customizable screens and responsive voice controls. However, it lacked a quick way to scroll through radio stations and had a unique car-wash function.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was less competitive than rivals. The software was slow, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features like a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver-drowsiness monitoring. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the GLA 250's safety features felt lacking compared to less expensive SUVs, which offered more comprehensive safety packages.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars in overall safety. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. It lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.