VS

Mercedes GLA vs Vauxhall Zafira Life comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 180 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 36,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Vauxhall Zafira Life?

Mercedes GLA vs Vauxhall Zafira Life: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
details

Vauxhall Zafira Life

  • barely cheaper
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

GLA

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Vauxhall Zafira Life is barely cheaper – starting at 36,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,845 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Vauxhall Zafira Life with 7.1 L/100km. The difference is about 4.2 L/100km.

Zafira Life

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 offers considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 241 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Vauxhall Zafira Life takes 10.6 s. That’s about 6.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers moderately more torque with 500 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

GLA

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Vauxhall Zafira Life offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is noticeably lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,953 kg. The difference is around 383 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Zafira Life carries substantially more – 883 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 383 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA stands well ahead of its rival 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

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes GLA
VW T-Roc
VS
The Mercedes GLA and the VW T‑Roc are compact crossover SUVs that aim to deliver city-friendly size with SUV practicality, but they take different approaches to luxury, technology and driving character. Choose the GLA if you prioritise a plush interior and refined on-road manners; pick the T‑Roc …
Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class and Mercedes GLA target buyers who want Mercedes practicality with premium touches, but they take different paths: the B‑Class is a spacious, hatchback-style people carrier while the GLA is a compact crossover with a higher ride height and sportier stance. This comparison looks …
Mercedes GLA
Vauxhall Zafira Life

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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
20C0047_115

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

Vauxhall Zafira Life

The Opel Zafira Life is a practical, no-nonsense people carrier that wraps flexible space and family-friendly features into a tidy, grown-up package. It’s comfy on long runs, easy to live with day to day, and wears its van roots with surprising style — the kind of sensible buy that still manages to smile.

details
2081473-kkkgsctf73
2081475-8um1o88vtx
2081481-sx1m3pl7ai
2081479-jd6nhuetwi
2081477-xq9jjp09n5

Reviews Vauxhall Zafira Life

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
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, …
Lexus LBX
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Lexus LBX and Mercedes GLA are compact premium crossovers that target urban buyers who want a blend of style, comfort and compact practicality. The LBX emphasizes Lexus refinement and a plush ride, while the GLA leans toward sharper handling, a sportier drive and a more tech-focused cabin.
Mercedes EQA
Mercedes GLA
VS
In the battle of compact luxury, the Mercedes EQA and GLA offer distinct advantages that cater to different driving preferences. While the EQA stands out with its electric powertrain and eco-friendly appeal, the GLA retains the versatility and familiar dynamics of a traditional combustion engine. …
Audi Q2
Mercedes GLA
VS
Audi Q2 vs Mercedes GLA is a matchup between Audi’s compact, city-focused premium crossover and Mercedes’ slightly larger, tech-forward SUV. This comparison cuts through marketing to show where each car wins on space, comfort, driving feel, running costs and who should buy which. Quick snapshot - …
Ford Kuga
Mercedes GLA
VS
In a head-to-head comparison, the Ford Kuga and the Mercedes GLA both offer distinct appeals for different types of drivers. The Ford Kuga, known for its spacious interior and practicality, provides a comfortable ride with impressive fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for families and …
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake and the Mercedes GLA take different approaches to compact luxury: the CLA Shooting Brake offers sleek, coupe‑like wagon styling and a focus on on‑road poise, while the GLA is a taller, more practical compact SUV with better visibility and load flexibility. This …
Mercedes GLA
MINI Countryman
VS
Mercedes GLA and MINI Countryman go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mercedes GLA or the …
Hyundai Tucson
Mercedes GLA
VS
When comparing the Hyundai Tucson to the Mercedes GLA, it’s clear that each SUV offers distinct advantages tailored to different drivers. The Tucson boasts a spacious interior and a value-driven list of features, making it an excellent choice for families and daily commuters. In contrast, the GLA …
Mercedes GLA
Vauxhall Zafira Life

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
36,000 - 43,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
186 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Bus
Seats
5
Seats
8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,953 - 1,986 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
2,010 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
877 - 883 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
180 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
132 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
2,184 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Vauxhall
Is the Mercedes GLA offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes GLA is available as 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.