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Mercedes GLA vs Subaru Outback comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 169 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 40,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Subaru Outback?

Mercedes GLA vs Subaru Outback: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

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

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably 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

GLA

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Mercedes GLA is only slightly cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the Subaru Outback costs 40,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,184 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 5.7 L/100km.

Outback

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 169 HP. That’s roughly 252 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 Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 5.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 248 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 only slightly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,643 kg. The difference is around 73 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Outback offers noticeably more boot space – 561 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 126 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries slightly more – 557 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 57 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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Mercedes GLA
Subaru Outback

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

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

details
csm_Outback_2.5i_Platinum_Modelljahr_2021_108__742a1b80db

Reviews Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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Mercedes GLA
Subaru Outback

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
193 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
561 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,875 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
524 - 557 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
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
169 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
252 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
124 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
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.