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Mercedes GLA vs VW T-Cross comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 21,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW T-Cross?

Mercedes GLA vs VW T-Cross: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

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

VW T-Cross

4.3 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
  • only slightly 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:

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.

VW T-Cross is significantly cheaper – starting at 21,400 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 17,442 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW T-Cross with 5.4 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.

T-Cross

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 significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 271 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 T-Cross takes 8.4 s. That’s about 4.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers significantly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 250 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, VW T-Cross is clearly lighter – 1,267 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 303 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW T-Cross offers only slightly more boot space – 455 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is far ahead 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

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class is the practical, airy people‑carrier that prioritises space and comfort, while the Mercedes GLA takes the same mechanical smarts and adds SUV looks, higher ride height and a touch more road presence. Pick the B‑Class for family‑friendly sense and efficiency, choose the GLA if …
SEAT Arona
VW T-Cross
VS
The SEAT Arona and VW T‑Cross duke it out in the small SUV ring: the Arona brings punchy styling and a driver-focused feel, while the T‑Cross leans on roomy practicality and Volkswagen calm. Pick the Arona for a bit more sparkle and sporty character, or the T‑Cross if cargo space, refinement and …
Mercedes GLA
VW T-Cross

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

details
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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

VW T-Cross

The VW T-Cross turns everyday practicality into a style statement, offering a roomy-feeling cabin, clever storage and playful design that suits town life and family duties alike. On the road it's composed and relaxed, rewarding buyers who want the raised seating and confident presence of an SUV without the weighty compromises.

details
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Reviews VW T-Cross

4.3 (3 Reviews)
rate
Monika
12 Feb 2026, 07:34:19

I chose the T‑Cross — more comfortable and roomier inside, especially for adult passengers; bought on the model‑year clearance — running costs work out cheaper even taking into account fuel savings from the Toyota hybrid (planned over five years); I like the space and the VW suited me better — I prefer the view through the front windshield.

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
Erasmo Paone
21 Oct 2025, 21:49:59

Very practical, interior space is excellent. Lacks charm, fuel consumption is a bit high.

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VW T-Cross
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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, …
VW T-Cross
VW Taigo
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Meet the VW T‑Cross and VW Taigo: two compact crossovers from Volkswagen chasing the same urban buyers but with very different personalities — the practical, upright T‑Cross versus the swoopy, style-first Taigo. Read on to see which one earns a place in your driveway, whether you prize family …
Toyota Yaris Cross
VW T-Cross
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The Toyota Yaris Cross sails ahead with brilliant hybrid economy, city-sized agility and Toyota’s trademark reliability, while the VW T‑Cross scores for sensible packaging, a bigger boot and a more grown-up driving feel. If you live in town and worship low fuel bills pick the Yaris Cross; if you …
VW T-Cross
VW T-Roc
VS
In the battle of compact SUVs, the VW T-Cross and VW T-Roc showcase distinct personalities, catering to different preferences. The T-Cross excels in urban agility and practical, family-friendly features, while the T-Roc leans towards a sportier design and a more engaging driving experience. Both …
Mercedes GLA
VW T-Roc
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In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Mercedes GLA stands out with its luxurious interior and advanced technology, appealing to drivers who prioritize comfort and style. In contrast, the VW T-Roc offers a more playful design and offers a practical, user-friendly experience, making it a strong …
Suzuki Vitara
VW T-Cross
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In this showdown between the Suzuki Vitara and VW T-Cross, both compact SUVs offer distinct advantages for urban and adventurous drivers alike. The Vitara impresses with its robust off-road capabilities and generous interior space, while the T-Cross shines with its stylish design and advanced tech …
BMW X2
Mercedes GLA
VS
In the competitive compact SUV segment, the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA stand out with their stylish designs and engaging performance. While the X2 offers a sportier driving experience with sharp handling and a distinctive coupe-like silhouette, the GLA impresses with its elegant interior and advanced …
Mercedes GLA
VW T-Cross

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
21,400 - 32,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 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
124 - 136 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
1,267 - 1,338 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
455 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,784 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
463 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,498 cm3

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