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Mercedes GLA vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Passat?

Mercedes GLA vs VW Passat: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • visibly 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.

VW Passat is very slightly cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,374 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.7 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers substantially more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 61 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

Passat

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 clearly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 149 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 VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers a bit 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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is marginally lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,573 kg. The difference is around 3 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers visibly more boot space – 690 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 255 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries a bit more – 577 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 77 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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 …
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Mercedes GLA
VW Passat

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
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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

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
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DB2019AU00698_large
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Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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Mercedes GLA
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
28 - 153 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
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
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.