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Dacia Duster vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Mercedes GLA?

Dacia Duster vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • somewhat lighter
  • moderately more trunk space
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Duster

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Dacia Duster is substantially cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22,559 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.7 L/100km. The difference is about 1.8 L/100km.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 263 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 5.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers significantly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 270 Nm more.

Duster

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Duster is somewhat lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 193 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers moderately more boot space – 517 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 82 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries barely more – 500 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 74 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
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Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Jogger comes down to whether you want a compact SUV with stronger on-road and light off-road ability or a stretched estate focused on space and family practicality. The Duster favours higher ground clearance and a tougher presence, while the Jogger …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Dacia Duster
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a straightforward, budget-friendly SUV that prioritizes practicality and value over flashy features. Its rugged styling and simple, roomy interior make it a sensible choice for buyers who want capable everyday transport without paying for extras they won’t use.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dave
11 May 2026, 00:08:47

As a previous owner of a manual 1998 Suzuki Vitara (two door), I was thrilled when the Duster was announced. The Bigster seems like a safer (and less adventurous) alternative to the Duster.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.

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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
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Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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Dacia Bigster
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Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
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The Mercedes A‑Class is the sharper, more driver-focused hatch that feels nimble and refined on twisty roads, while the Mercedes GLA trades a bit of agility for SUV practicality with a higher ride height, extra luggage space and a commanding view of the road. Pick the A‑Class for sporty handling, …
Dacia Duster
Suzuki Vitara
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The Dacia Duster still shocks with back-to-basics toughness and an unbeatable price — real off-road chops and a cavernous boot for a fraction of the bill — while the Suzuki Vitara answers with sharper handling, nicer interior materials and smarter tech that feels a touch more grown-up. Choose the …
Dacia Duster
Hyundai Tucson
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The Dacia Duster and Hyundai Tucson are both compact SUVs but take very different approaches: the Duster prioritizes affordability, rugged simplicity and practical off-road ability, while the Tucson leans on refinement, interior space and a richer feature set. Choosing between them comes down to …
Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
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The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Dacia Duster
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In the fiercely competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands out with its bold design and customizable interior options, appealing to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality. Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster offers remarkable value for money, boasting robust off-road …
Dacia Duster
Kia Sportage
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The Dacia Duster is the no-frills, mud-loving bargain that happily chews up trails and your monthly payments, while the Kia Sportage counters with slick tech, a plush cabin, and the sort of refinement that makes long commutes feel shorter. If your wallet leads, pick the Duster; if your senses do, …
Dacia Duster
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.