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Dacia Sandero vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (122 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (11,000 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Sandero or Mercedes GLA?

Dacia Sandero vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Dacia Sandero

3.3 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • substantially lighter
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Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
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  • significantly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
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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

Sandero

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Dacia Sandero is clearly cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 27,874 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2.4 L/100km.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 122 HP. That’s roughly 299 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 9.7 s. That’s about 5.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 300 Nm more.

Sandero

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 Sandero is substantially lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 470 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers somewhat more boot space – 435 L compared to 372 L. That’s a difference of about 63 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries a bit more – 500 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 64 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is far ahead overall 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
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Frequently compared as well

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 …
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Dacia Sandero
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is a no-nonsense hatchback that prioritises practicality and low running costs, making it a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. It delivers a surprisingly roomy interior and straightforward, useful equipment so you get everyday usability without paying for unnecessary frills.

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Reviews Dacia Sandero

3.3 (5 Reviews)
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Kamil
1 Jun 2026, 17:18:36

The Dacia Sandero is really great compared to the VW Polo, which I also have the pleasure of driving — more power, quicker acceleration, lots of space inside for five people as well as a large boot, and for me it’s a great car at a good price.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Thierry
14 Apr 2026, 21:55:26

New car — but problems: water ingress in a vehicle that's only two years old, mould forming, a defective front plate and a black stain.

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
Le
9 Mar 2026, 11:19:49

Hello — having tried the Sandero Stepway Extreme Auto 120.
The big downside is at the front, where large consoles on both the passenger and driver doors create a feeling that, as the kilometres go by, you have to drive with your knees squeezed together. On top of that, the small compartment between the two seats is more cumbersome than practical.
The rear seats are really spacious.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
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.

details
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20C0047_071
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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

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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, …
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Dacia Sandero
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 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
111 - 131 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
328 - 372 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,853 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
385 - 436 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
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 Sandero have?

The Dacia Sandero is offered with Front-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.