Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance 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. The GLA's dimensions were on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was three inches taller and half an inch shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that contributed to its muscular look. Despite small-looking windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. Standard LED headlights and optional adaptive LED headlights were available. Inside, the GLA 250 featured less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the interior didn't quite match up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. 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. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, with the Limited Hybrid offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The cabin maintained Subaru's straightforward design, with consistent material quality and distinctive orange contrast stitching on the gray StarTex seats. The Limited Hybrid added features like a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants: GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC, and AMG GLA 35, with the AMG GLA 45 on the way. The GLA 250 and 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine allowed the GLA to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 featured an AMG-enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, achieving 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The GLA's AWD system offered different torque distribution ratios based on drive modes, and the AMG models included additional performance features. However, the GLA 250 experienced turbo lag and road noise, with a less tight turning circle compared to competitors.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter engine and a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. The hybrid offered quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only Crosstrek, though it didn't feel significantly faster on the highway. The Crosstrek Hybrid utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine and provided regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. 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 provided more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The GLA featured a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo space measured 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low, nearly flat load floor and available power liftgate facilitated easy cargo handling.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage options.

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. Buyers could upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless charging, a WiFi hot spot, head-up display, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with customizable screens and voice-activated controls. However, it lacked a quick way to scroll through radio stations. The GLA also introduced a car-wash function, folding mirrors, closing windows, and adjusting climate controls with a single command.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Limited 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 offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver-drowsiness monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system and parking assist technology. However, the GLA's standard safety features were less comprehensive than some less expensive SUVs.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation, but the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. However, Subaru's semi-autonomous driving system was not as advanced as those from other manufacturers.