@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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Ford Puma vs Mercedes GLA – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Puma or Mercedes GLA?

Puma @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

The automotive market offers an array of choices for SUV enthusiasts, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. In this article, we delve deep into two popular contenders—the Ford Puma and the Mercedes GLA. Both models offer unique features and innovations that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Let’s explore how they stack up against each other in terms of technical specifications, design, driving experience, and innovations.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Dimensions and Design

The Ford Puma, with a length of 4186 mm to 4226 mm and a height of 1550 mm to 1555 mm, presents a compact yet functional design that's perfect for urban driving while still being practical for family use, with a trunk capacity ranging from 456 to 523 liters.

In stark contrast, the Mercedes GLA is slightly larger, measuring between 4412 mm and 4443 mm in length and 1590 mm to 1616 mm in height, boasting a trunk capacity of 385 to 435 liters. The GLA’s refined and elegant look showcases Mercedes-Benz's iconic design language, appealing to those who desire luxury in their vehicles.

Puma @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Engine Options and Performance

The Ford Puma offers a selection of powertrains, including petrol MHEV options ranging from 125 HP to an impressive 168 HP, with a manual gearbox and dual-clutch automatic transmission options. The Puma also showcases remarkable efficiency, achieving fuel consumption as low as 5.4 L/100 km and an impressive electric range of 376 km from its 43 kWh battery.

On the other hand, the Mercedes GLA comes equipped with a more extensive range of engine choices, ranging up to 421 HP in performance models. With diesel, petrol, and hybrid variants, the GLA demonstrates flexibility for various driving tastes. Its efficient lineup also delivers competitive fuel economy, with some models going as low as 5.4 L/100 km. The GLA's acceleration options are equally impressive, with top models achieving 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Driving Experience and Handling

When driving the Puma, you can expect a user-friendly experience thanks to its front-wheel-drive configuration, with nimble handling that’s ideal for both city streets and country lanes. With a torque of up to 290 Nm, it provides sufficient oomph for daily commutes and weekend adventures alike.

The GLA, with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, offers a more dynamic driving experience. The enhanced torque output, reaching up to 500 Nm in high-performance variants, ensures that it can handle various driving conditions effortlessly. Furthermore, its adaptive driving modes allow for customizable performance suited to the driver’s needs.

Puma @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Interior Features and Technology

Inside the Ford Puma, you will find a spacious and well-designed cabin, equipped with modern technology that includes a user-friendly infotainment system, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Ford's latest safety technologies. Its focus on practicality makes it an excellent choice for families or those needing extra storage space.

The GLA elevates luxury with a high-tech interior that features dual digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX infotainment system provides a seamless interface for navigation, music, and climate control, offering an engaging driving experience. Advanced safety features and a premium audio system further enhance comfort and enjoyment.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Efficiency and Emissions

Both vehicles strive for efficiency, but with different emphases. The Ford Puma prides itself on environmental efficiency, achieving CO2 emissions as low as 121 g/km while maintaining competitive consumption figures. Its hybrid variants further bolster its green credentials.

The GLA, while still delivering efficient options, has a broader range of emissions depending on the engine chosen, with some models reaching CO2 emissions as high as 216 g/km. However, the inclusion of hybrid engines showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability.

Puma @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Ford Puma and the Mercedes GLA ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. The Ford Puma is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality and efficiency, while the Mercedes GLA caters to those desiring a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, both vehicles show innovation and adaptability, reflecting the needs of today’s drivers. Whether you lean towards the sporty charm of the Puma or the sophisticated allure of the GLA, both models promise an exciting and fulfilling driving experience.

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

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Ford Puma has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 24800 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 14065 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLA manages with 2.90 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Ford Puma with 5.40 L. The difference is about 2.50 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Ford Puma performs decisively better – achieving up to 376 km, about 302 km more than the Mercedes 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 has a decisively edge – offering 421 HP compared to 168 HP. That’s roughly 253 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the Ford Puma takes 7.40 s. That’s about 3.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs evident better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Ford Puma tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 60 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls clearly stronger with 500 Nm compared to 290 Nm. That’s about 210 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Ford Puma is somewhat lighter – 1316 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 254 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Puma offers to a small extent more room – 523 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 88 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs to a small extent better – up to 1430 L, which is about 147 L more than the Ford Puma.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLA hardly perceptible takes the win – 500 kg compared to 469 kg. That’s a difference of about 31 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes GLA shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £38,800
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, 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
  • Electric Range : 74 km

Ford Puma

5 (1)
rate

The Ford Puma is a cheeky compact crossover that blends sporty styling with city-friendly practicality, giving drivers a surprisingly fun and composed ride. With clever storage tricks and a lively personality, it’s a smart pick for buyers who want enjoyment without fuss.

details

Mercedes GLA

5 (1)
rate

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

details
Ford Puma
Mercedes GLA
Puma @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
24800 - 36300 £
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 5.9 L
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
13.1 - 13.9 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
361 - 376 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
43 kWh
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
0 - 135 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1316 - 1563 kg
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Trunk capacity
456 - 523 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
4186 - 4226 mm
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Width
1805 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Height
1550 - 1555 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Max trunk capacity
1216 - 1283 L
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Payload
367 - 469 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, 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
125 - 168 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
160 - 210 km/h
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Torque
170 - 290 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
92 - 124 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
999 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
Brand
Ford
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the Ford Puma offered with different drivetrains?

The Ford Puma is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.