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Mercedes GLA vs VW Touareg comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 462 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 64,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Touareg?

Mercedes GLA vs VW Touareg: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
details

VW Touareg

4.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly more power
  • significantly 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:

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

Mercedes GLA is substantially cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the VW Touareg costs 64,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 25,471 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Touareg with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 2.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes GLA offers markedly more range – reaching up to 74 km, about 25 km more than the VW Touareg.

Touareg

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 VW Touareg offers very slightly more power – delivering 462 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 41 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the VW Touareg takes 5.1 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Touareg delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 200 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 markedly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 2,059 kg. The difference is around 489 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Touareg offers significantly more boot space – 810 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 375 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Touareg carries noticeably more – 751 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 251 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

Frequently compared as well

VW Touareg
VW Tayron
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In the latest showdown between the VW Touareg and the VW Tayron, enthusiasts will find distinct differences in size and performance that cater to varying needs. The Touareg, with its luxurious features and robust engine options, stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking a premium SUV …
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Mercedes GLA
VW Touareg

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.

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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 Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg wraps a grown-up presence in a classy, well-appointed cabin that feels more like a premium saloon than an SUV. It glides with quiet composure, devours long journeys and tucks away clever tech that makes life easier whether you’re stuck in town or nipping off the beaten track.

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Reviews VW Touareg

4.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
Kevin
20 Apr 2026, 13:09:09

Brilliant car. Had 3 since 2005. Can't fault them. Would have purchased another, but after visiting local dealership, vehicle was being used by Sales Manager and it was in a d disgraceful condition. So purchased BME X6

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Roberto
4 Dec 2025, 21:53:53

Impeccable road-holding, especially if you choose optional extras like air suspension, active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering. Fast, quiet and comfortable.

Chris
23 Sept 2025, 10:05:45

I've been driving a Touareg 3.0 TDI with 286 PS, model year 2019, for 5 years.
So far no problems. Zero repairs.
Air suspension is top.
Driving feel is great.
Fuel consumption is also excellent for a vehicle of this weight (7.5 liters on average).
In my opinion the car is highly recommendable. That's why 5 stars!

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Mercedes GLA
VW Touareg

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
64,300 - 88,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 10.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
47 - 49 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
14.3 kWh
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
119 - 239 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
2,059 - 2,470 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
665 - 810 L
Length
-
Length
4,878 - 4,902 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,984 mm
Height
-
Height
1,693 - 1,712 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,675 - 1,800 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
550 - 751 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
231 - 462 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.1 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
222 - 250 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
450 - 700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
170 - 340 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
2,967 - 2,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
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.