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Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (25,000 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Hatchback or Mercedes GLA?

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • slightly lighter
details

Mercedes GLA

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

3 Hatchback

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Mazda 3 Hatchback is clearly cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,816 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 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 considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 235 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 Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 3.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.

3 Hatchback

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, Mazda 3 Hatchback is slightly lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 153 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers moderately more boot space – 435 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 84 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Hatchback carries very slightly more – 502 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 2 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is clearly superior 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
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
j m
29 Jun 2026, 22:06:55

power
efficiency and low consumption
driving pleasure
wonderful e-drive and head-up projection display on the windshield

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
20C0047_067
20C0047_071
20C0047_104
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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
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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Mazda 3 Hatchback
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 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
126 - 146 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
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
487 - 502 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Available configurations include 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.