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Mercedes GLA vs VW Tiguan comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 33,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Tiguan?

Mercedes GLA vs VW Tiguan: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
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VW Tiguan

4.1 (10 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • visibly 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

GLA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Volkswagen: A Comparative Analysis of SUVs

The automotive landscape is always evolving, with manufacturers vying for dominance in various segments. Among the most popular are the luxury and mainstream SUV markets, where brands like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have created compelling offerings. This article delves into the technical aspects and innovations of both, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help buyers make informed decisions.

Tiguan

Powertrain Innovations

Both Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have embraced the modern trend of electrification, incorporating various engine types into their SUV lineups. Mercedes offers a diverse range of powertrains, including Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, and traditional Petrol engines, producing power outputs ranging from 150 HP to a remarkable 421 HP.

In contrast, Volkswagen's models are also equipped with a selection of Petrol MHEV and Diesel engines, alongside Plugin Hybrids. VW's offerings span from 130 HP to 272 HP, showcasing a slightly less powerful lineup but still competitive in various specifications. Notably, both brands offer efficient combustion engines with environmentally friendly performance profiles.

GLA

Transmission and Drive Type

Regarding transmission, both brands predominantly utilize Automatic transmissions with dual-clutch technology, ensuring smooth gear changes and an engaging driving experience. Mercedes-Benz offers both Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive systems, providing versatility for different driving conditions.

Similarly, Volkswagen adheres to the same principle, catering to diverse consumer needs. The choice between Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive allows consumers to prioritize personal preferences and regional driving conditions, thus making both brands adaptable to their markets.

Tiguan

Performance Metrics

Acceleration figures are always a critical aspect of performance. In this category, Mercedes-Benz vehicles shine, with models capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds. This remarkable acceleration places Mercedes in a segment of its own, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking pertinent driving experiences.

Volkswagen, while slightly behind in raw figures, showcases respectable performance metrics with models accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 5.9 seconds. This difference caters to various preferences, with consumers who prioritize speed leaning towards Mercedes and those valuing practicality looking at Volkswagen.

GLA

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

With rising fuel costs and growing environmental awareness, fuel efficiency is a substantial consideration for buyers. Mercedes-Benz offers impressive consumption rates that average between 1.1 and 9.5 L/100km across its range. The brand also features a Plugin Hybrid option, significantly reducing consumption during urban driving.

Volkswagen counters with an equally impressive set of stats, showcasing consumption as low as 0.4 L/100km for its Plugin Hybrid models. This highlights VW’s commitment to sustainability, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious drivers without compromising performance.

Tiguan

Interior Comfort and Technology

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its luxurious interiors, characterized by high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and spacious cabins. The brand consistently pushes for innovative technology integration, such as the MBUX system, offering voice recognition and extensive customization options.

In comparison, Volkswagen’s interior design leans towards a minimalist yet functional approach. The brand integrates its latest infotainment technology, including intuitive touch screens and digital dashboards. Although not as luxurious as Mercedes, VW ensures a comfortable and user-friendly experience.

GLA

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Both brands pride themselves on providing robust safety features and driver assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz often leads the way with innovations such as active brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, offering advanced technology to enhance driver confidence and vehicle safety.

Volkswagen also boasts a strong safety record, complementing its vehicles with comprehensive safety systems, including standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Both manufacturers are committed to continuous improvement in safety, ensuring that their vehicles meet and exceed industry standards.

Tiguan

Conclusion: Choosing the Right SUV for You

The choice between Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. If luxury, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance are paramount, then Mercedes likely holds the upper hand. However, for those seeking excellent practicality, efficiency, and modern design without breaking the bank, Volkswagen emerges as a strong competitor.

As both manufacturers continue to innovate, the automotive market remains dynamic and exciting, making it essential for buyers to stay informed and choose a vehicle that best fits their lifestyle and aspirations.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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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 …
VW Tiguan
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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 Tiguan is a bit cheaper – starting at 33,600 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,258 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Tiguan uses 1.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Tiguan offers considerably more range – reaching up to 126 km, about 52 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

Tiguan

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 visibly 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 visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the VW Tiguan takes 5.9 s. That’s about 1.6 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:

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 marginally lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,599 kg. The difference is around 29 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Tiguan offers visibly more boot space – 652 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 217 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Tiguan carries a bit more – 556 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 56 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Tiguan is decisively ahead 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 £33,600
Tiguan

VW Tiguan

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 130 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range 118 - 126 km
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Mercedes GLA
VW Tiguan

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.

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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

VW Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is a well-rounded compact SUV that delivers a comfortable cabin, composed ride and practical space suited to everyday family life. Its straightforward tech and clever storage make it easy to live with, leaning toward sensible refinement rather than flash.

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Reviews VW Tiguan

4.1 (10 Reviews)
rate
Jerzy
7 Jun 2026, 15:17:21

It competes on price and cheaper servicing, but well‑equipped examples also offer plenty of comfort.

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
Peter
21 Feb 2026, 14:53:54

My Tiguan 2.0 TSI is flawless after eight years and still looks great. I really can't complain.

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
Thomas
21 Nov 2025, 21:33:38

What counts is longevity... and on that front VW doesn't convince.

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Choosing between the VW T‑Roc and the VW Tiguan comes down to priorities: the T‑Roc is a punchy, style-led compact crossover with sharper handling and lower running costs, while the Tiguan delivers more interior space, greater practicality and a smoother ride for family duties. Below is a concise …
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Mercedes GLA
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
33,600 - 54,600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
32 - 190 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
1,599 - 1,879 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,842 - 1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
499 - 556 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, 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
130 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
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.