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Honda ZR-V vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (184 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Honda ZR-V or Mercedes GLA?

Honda ZR-V vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Honda ZR-V

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
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Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
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

ZR-V

Compact SUV Showdown: Honda ZR-V vs. Mercedes GLA

In the competitive world of compact SUVs, Honda and Mercedes-Benz have crafted two impressive contenders: the Honda ZR-V and the Mercedes GLA. These models offer distinct approaches to style, performance, and technology. Let's delve into their main features and see how they stack up against each other.

GLA

Performance and Powertrain

The Honda ZR-V models for 2023 and 2024 are driven by a full hybrid engine, offering a maximum power output of 184 HP and a peak torque of 315 Nm. This power ensures a brisk acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h ranging between 7.9 and 8 seconds, with a top speed of 173 km/h. It’s a front-wheel-drive setup designed for efficiency, reflected in its low fuel consumption of around 5.7 to 5.8 L/100km and a CO2 efficiency class of D.

On the other hand, the Mercedes GLA offers a range of engine choices including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid, with outputs spanning from 116 HP up to a sporting 421 HP. This diverse lineup caters to various preferences, whether it’s efficiency with their plug-in hybrid boasting an electric range of up to 74 km, or performance with acceleration times as low as 4.3 seconds for the top models. Mercedes' GLA options also ensure flexibility with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants. The array of choices means CO2 emissions range broadly, but certain configurations achieve as low as 23 g/km, demonstrating strong ecological efficiency with a B to E CO2 class.

ZR-V

Dimensions and Practicality

The Honda ZR-V measures 4568 mm in length, 1840 mm in width, and 1613 mm in height. With a curb weight varying from 1660 to 1710 kg, it accommodates five seats and boasts a trunk capacity of 370 to 380 L, suitable for family adventures and commutes alike.

In contrast, the Mercedes GLA slightly undercuts the ZR-V in length, recording measurements around 4412 to 4443 mm, width spanning 1834 to 1849 mm, and a height of around 1590 to 1616 mm. Its trunk offers a little more room with 385 to 435 L of space, catering to those with additional cargo needs.

GLA

Innovations and Features

Honda’s focus on hybrid technology in the ZR-V brings environmentally conscious driving without sacrificing performance. The vehicle's full hybrid system is ideal for urban and highway environments, offering a balanced ride with responsive handling and lower emissions.

Mercedes' GLA, on the other hand, shines with its advanced technology, especially reflected in its plug-in hybrid model, which allows seamless transitions between electric and petrol power, optimizing fuel efficiency and providing an engaging driving experience. The inclusion of a dual-clutch automatic transmission in most models enhances the driving dynamics, offering smoother gear shifts and increased control.

ZR-V

Verdict

Choosing between the Honda ZR-V and Mercedes GLA ultimately depends on your priorities. If hybrid efficiency paired with simplicity and reliability appeals to you, the ZR-V is an excellent choice, offering strong performance with stellar fuel economy. Meanwhile, if variety, technology, and advanced luxury features are what you seek, the Mercedes GLA provides an array of options to tailor the driving experience to your needs.

Both SUVs stand as a testament to the innovation within their respective brands, each delivering a unique blend of performance, utility, and refinement that caters to the modern driver.

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

ZR-V

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Honda ZR-V is somewhat cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,779 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Honda ZR-V with 5.7 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 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 184 HP. That’s roughly 237 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Honda ZR-V takes 7.8 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers noticeably more torque with 500 Nm compared to 315 Nm. That’s about 185 Nm more.

ZR-V

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 terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is marginally lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,660 kg. The difference is around 90 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 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
Honda ZR-V
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Honda ZR-V

The Honda ZR-V blends smart practicality with sharper styling than you might expect, giving buyers a calm, competent companion for daily life. Inside it's comfortable and cleverly laid out, easy to live with and never trying too hard to be exciting.

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Mercedes GLA

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.

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Honda ZR-V
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
35,100 - 38,700 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 5.8 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
130 - 132 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
1,660 - 1,710 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,840 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
440 - 455 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
184 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.8 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
315 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Honda
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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.