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Mercedes GLA vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Subaru Forester?

Mercedes GLA vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

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

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
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  • somewhat cheaper
  • somewhat more trunk space
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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:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester is somewhat cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,702 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 5.2 L/100km.

Forester

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 substantially more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 285 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 Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 7.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers substantially more torque with 500 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 318 Nm more.

GLA

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is barely lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 123 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers somewhat more boot space – 508 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 73 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries barely more – 500 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 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 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
VW T-Roc
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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 GLA
Subaru Forester

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
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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
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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

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
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Marie-Sophie
6 Jul 2026, 15:22:11

Unfortunately Citroën isn't sold here in the Americas, otherwise I would have chosen the C5.X!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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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.
Audi Q2
Mercedes GLA
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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 - …
Mercedes EQA
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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. …
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MINI Countryman
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Nissan Qashqai
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Mercedes GLA and Nissan Qashqai 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 …
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes GLA
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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
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
183 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
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

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