Shopping for a Mercedes-Benz GLA? Here’s What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

Off-road efficiency in a luxurious wrapper

Subcompact luxurious SUVs just like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA have the problem of offering practicality and a few measure of four-wheel-drive efficiency in a car dimension that many think about something however luxurious. But the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class could change some patrons’ minds.

The GLA-Class is the extra trendy model of Mercedes-Benz’s GLB-Class, very similar to the BMW X2 is a extra trendy model of the X1. Climb inside, and also you’ll discover that the column-mounted transmission lever and spherical air vents on the instrument panel are quintessential Mercedes-Benz. Customary options embody a ten.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a ten.3-inch instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Non-compulsory options embody a head-up show and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.

In relation to house, you’ll discover the GLA-Class’s 19-cubic-foot diminutive cargo capability trails its competitors, but it surely makes up for it with a few of the finest legroom in its class. Entrance-seat headroom is superb, however these within the rear seat will discover it a bit missing.

A light-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 221 horsepower and an eight-speed automated gearbox supplies energy to the entrance wheels or all 4. It achieves 29 mpg with front-wheel drive or 28 mpg with all-wheel drive, though premium unleaded gasoline is required. The GLA shouldn’t be rated for towing, with a car-like floor clearance of 5.2 inches. This makes the non-obligatory Off-Street Engineering Package deal, which provides a wide range of electrical upgrades, higher fitted to foul climate than venturing off as soon as the sidewalk ends.

The GLA competes in a category the place the looks of off-road skill is as necessary as the power to do it. It is a class of foul-weather mates, ones with greater than a bit on-road functionality. 

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Initially supplied solely as a plug-in hybrid, which we are going to assessment individually, the Alfa-Romeo Tonale returns for 2025 with one trim degree however a second powertrain. On this case, it’s the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automated transmission additionally present in its similar cousin, the Dodge Hornet, in addition to the Jeep Compass. As within the Dodge, the Alfa Romeo develops an similar 268 horsepower, but it surely’s fitted with the model’s DNA driving modes, in any other case referred to as Dynamic, Pure, and Superior. The EPA charges the Tonale at 24 mpg in mixed metropolis/freeway driving whereas ingesting premium unleaded gasoline. Towing is rated at 3,307 kilos with a floor clearance of 6.1 inches, additionally making it extra of a foul-weather pal than an off-road adventurer.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and wi-fi charging are commonplace. There are 27 cubic toes of cargo house, or 55 cubic toes if you happen to fold down the rear seats. That stated, the Tonale provides one of many roomier rear seats amongst this bunch. 

Whereas its cabin might not appear as premium as its rivals, the Dynamic driving mode transforms this in any other case good SUV into a real Alfa Romeo, with a livelier persona that brings a real dose of Italian driving pleasure.

Audi Q3

Consider the 2025 Audi Q3 as a lover, not a fighter. Redesigned for 2019, the smallest of Audi’s Russian-doll-like SUVs is obtainable solely in 45 Premium or 45 Premium Plus trims, with efficiency becoming of its diminutive dimension.

The Q3’s motivation comes from a 228-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automated transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive. Uniquely, the Q3 runs on common unleaded gas. Sadly, its mixed EPA gas economic system is just 23 mpg, which, together with its 7.1-second 0-60 mph time, trails its rivals. Like these rivals, nonetheless, the Q3 can also be not rated for towing. 

It’s nonetheless properly outfitted, although, and supplies 94 cubic toes of house for passengers, smaller than some rivals and most noticeable in its lack of rear-seat legroom. Baggage house is comparable at 24 cubic toes, growing to 48 cubic toes with the seats stashed. A ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is commonplace. A ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wi-fi smartphone charging are non-obligatory.  

The Q3’s driving expertise is oriented in direction of consolation, not sport, so its gentle, direct steering comes as no shock. Nevertheless, its tech bundle, inside high quality, and total composure make up for its shortfalls.

BMW X2

Debuting with an all-new wardrobe final 12 months, the X2 is a streamlined X1, a lot because the BMW X6 is a streamlined X5. Like its sizable sibling, the X2 forgoes performance in favor of favor, catering to the fashion-obsessed. Regardless of costing greater than the X1, the X2’s passenger quantity is seven cubic toes smaller at 94 cubic toes, but its baggage house is comparable at 25 cubic toes, growing to 52 cubic toes with the rear seats folded down. Headroom does get a bit tight for these within the again, so perhaps put some smaller mates again there.

The bottom 2025 X2 comes because the xDrive28i with a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine beneath its bonnet. There’s additionally the M35i xDrive, with an upgraded turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine boasting 312 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, one second quicker than the 28i. Each variants include a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission and all-wheel drive.

With an EPA-rated mixed gas economic system of 25 mpg, the M35i is one mpg much less environment friendly than the M28i, though each require 91-octane unleaded gas. An adjustable M suspension, commonplace on the M35i, is offered on the M28i as a part of the M Sport Package deal. Towing capability with trailer brakes is rated at 3,965 kilos, and floor clearance sits at 8.1 inches. 

The X2’s instrument panel’s curved glass show options the ten.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment display from the X1. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are commonplace. A wi-fi smartphone charger is commonplace on the M35i however non-obligatory on the M28i. Uniquely, the non-obligatory BMW Digital Premium Package deal permits for in-car gaming and audio and video streaming. 

In comparison with the X1, the X2 provides a sportier driving expertise with sturdy energy and quick, if light-weight, steering. Nonetheless, we discover the M35i’s efficiency increase interesting however not crucial.

Mini Cooper Countryman

For 2025, the Mini Countryman underwent an entire redesign, rendering it 5 inches longer, almost an inch wider, and virtually 4 inches taller. Resulting from it sharing its platform with the BMW X1, its design is a bit much less whimsical. Consider this as a Morris Main.

Inside, the Countryman retains its iconic 9.4-inch spherical show display, in addition to wi-fi Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. You’ll discover this Mini provides maxi spaciousness, with 97 cubic toes for passengers and 25 cubic toes for baggage, rising to 56 cubic toes with the second row folded. Though it appears to be like like material, its inside stays uniquely accented in recycled plastic and is among the many environmentally pleasant components all through the cabin. 

The Countryman’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sends 241 horsepower by means of a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission to all 4 wheels. At 27 mpg, gas economic system is aggressive, though premium gas is required. The utmost towing capability is 3,500 kilos, and the bottom clearance is 8 inches. The Countryman can also be obtainable because the high-performance JCW or as a battery-electric SUV, however we’ll have a look at these variants individually.

The Countryman features very similar to a bigger Mini Cooper, though the experience is extra forgiving to accommodate off-road excursions.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is a well-made and exquisitely designed subcompact SUV with a youthful funkiness, a sensible form, and a roomy cabin. The mannequin you need is the mid-level Plus trim with its panoramic sunroof, leather-based seats, LED fog lights, a power-folding rear seat, and an opulent Orrefors crystal gear selector. It boasts 95 cubic toes of passenger house and 20 cubic toes of baggage house, increasing to 55 cubic toes with the rear seats down.

The Volvo XC40’s Scandinavian instrument panel is managed by means of a 9-inch touchscreen utilizing Google software program, though its icons are diminutive. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G hotspot for Wi-Fi are commonplace. Regardless of being considerably much less luxurious than its bigger stablemates, the XC40’s cabin is well-made and has high-quality particulars. Small options, just like the detachable rubbish bin within the heart console, are appreciated.

It has all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automated transmission, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with 247 horsepower. The EPA-rated mixed gas economic system is 26 mpg, however premium gas is required. The utmost towing capability is 3,500 kilos. 

With a 0-to-60 mph of 6.1 seconds, there’s sufficient muscle to maintain up with the reduce and thrust of the pokey parkway grand prix. It’s no sports activities automotive, however its dealing with/consolation poise, which is a longtime Volvo trademark, is straightforward to like.

Last ideas

The Volvo XC40 and the GLA-Class share the same degree of consolation and agility, however the GLA-Class shouldn’t be the driving force’s automotive that the BMW X2 is. Nevertheless, its high-end cabin facilities greater than make up for it. The Countryman is an offbeat selection, as is the Tonale, making for a special really feel and persona than a lot of the class. All of those selections provide one thing completely different whereas nonetheless sharing some similarities. With such a large area, we’re assured that one will fit your must a T.

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