Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance with its new generation, fitting snugly 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 added to its muscular look. 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 up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a conservative approach to styling, reminiscent of the previous-generation RAV4, but on a larger scale. This design choice resulted in a vehicle that looked like a gigantic RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and substantial cargo space. The interior emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. While the material quality was decent, the use of glossy hard plastic and unlined storage surfaces was noticeable. The climate system was straightforward, but the infotainment interface had a tiny volume knob and lacked a tuning knob. Overall, the Grand Highlander Hybrid provided a practical and spacious environment, though some design choices could have been improved.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants: the GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC, and AMG GLA 35, with the AMG GLA 45 on the horizon. 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. This 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 enhanced turbocharged engine with 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 further increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The GLA's performance was complemented by various drive modes and an adaptive damping system, though it struggled with turbo lag and road noise.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoiding the droning of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel economy, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, it achieved 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though undulations in the road could cause vertical bounding. Handling was secure, but the tires scrubbed early when pushed. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's increased height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed excellent headroom and legroom, while the redesigned rear seats offered more legroom than before. The GLA featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo space was practical, with 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was sufficient for a family road trip, though larger loads might require using the second-row seats for storage.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, with supportive cushions. However, the long rear doors could be challenging for parents with small children, and the sharp corners posed a risk to neighboring vehicles. The second-row captain’s chairs provided flexibility, with a pass-through or generous access to the third row. The rearmost seats were comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample crush space for safety. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. The system was user-friendly, with touch and touchpad controls, and included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades were available, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, and wireless device charging. The MBUX system was intuitive, though it lacked a quick way to scroll through radio stations. Voice-activated controls responded promptly, and the GLA introduced a car-wash function for convenience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a tasteful integration above the climate control panel. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it couldn't display two main-menu screens simultaneously, and the font was sometimes hard to read. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included a reasonable amount of active safety features, such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. However, without this package, the GLA's safety features felt lacking compared to less expensive SUVs, which offered more comprehensive standard safety technology.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. The system included lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, though it didn't offer hands-free operation like some competitors. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.