@ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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Honda ZR-V vs Mercedes GLA – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Honda ZR-V or Mercedes GLA?

ZR-V @ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 @ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 @ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Honda ZR-V has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 36800 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 2065 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLA manages with 2.90 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Honda ZR-V with 5.70 L. The difference is about 2.80 L per 100 km.

ZR-V @ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA has a clearly edge – offering 421 HP compared to 184 HP. That’s roughly 237 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the Honda ZR-V takes 7.80 s. That’s about 3.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Honda ZR-V tops out at 173 km/h. The difference is around 97 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls distinct stronger with 500 Nm compared to 315 Nm. That’s about 185 Nm difference.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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, Mercedes GLA is barely noticeable lighter – 1570 kg compared to 1660 kg. The difference is around 90 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more room – 435 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1430 L, which is about 118 L more than the Honda ZR-V.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLA minimal takes the win – 500 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes GLA proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes GLA is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

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

Honda ZR-V

5 (1)
rate

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.

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
Honda ZR-V
Mercedes GLA
ZR-V @ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
36800 - 40400 £
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 5.8 L
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
130 - 132 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
57 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
1660 - 1710 kg
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Trunk capacity
370 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
4568 mm
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Width
1840 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Height
1613 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Max trunk capacity
1291 - 1312 L
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Payload
440 - 455 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
-
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
-
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
173 km/h
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
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
1993 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
Brand
Honda
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Honda ZR-V have?

The Honda ZR-V is available as 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.