The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a nimble and comfort-focused subcompact SUV. The hatchback-like crossover was introduced in 2015 and was completely redesigned for the 2021 model year. Those changes carry over to 2022. The GLA-Class features accommodating passenger space in both the front and second rows. It also delivers 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use, all accessed via a standard power liftgate.

Shoppers can select the GLA250, AMG GLA35, or AMG GLA45. Standard equipment on the GLA 250 includes 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and four USB ports. It also comes standard with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition to upgraded powertrains, the two AMG models come equipped with sport seats, ambient interior lighting, and larger 10.25-inch screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system.

All variants of the GLA feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in different states of tune, and all engines route power through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLA250 puts out 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and power is routed to the front wheels or to available 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). 4Matic comes standard on both of the AMG models. The AMG GLA35’s engine is tuned to put out 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while the range-topping AMG GLA45 puts out 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint from zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds.

The most efficient variant of this nimble SUV is the GLA250 with front-wheel drive. It returns fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined. Adding AWD brings fuel economy to 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 combined. The AMG GLA35 returns fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined. The AMG GLA45 returns fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The GLA requires premium fuel.

Standard driver-assistance features on the GLA include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, driver-attention monitoring, crosswind assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available safety tech includes lane-departure warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, a head-up display, and a surround-view parking monitor.

Base MSRP for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GL250 is $37,500. The AWD GLA250 4Matic starts at $39,500. The AMG GLA35 starts at $47,950, and the range-topping AMG GLA45 starts at $55,400. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.