2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs. the Competition

The BMW X1 is the smallest Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW’s current lineup, delivering the latest iteration of the automaker’s signature design language and driver-facing technologies while providing room for up to five people. The X1 is offered in xDrive28i form with a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, along with the M35i, which uses a 312-horsepower variant of the same engine. All X1 models send power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel drive system.

• Cargo space is abundant in the GLA compared to the X1. Behind the rear seats, the GLA offers 35.4 cubic feet to fill up compared to the BMW’s 25.7 cubic feet.
• Rear seat occupants will enjoy the leg room inside the GLA. It measures 38 inches compared to the X1’s 37.
• A longer wheelbase usually yields a smoother ride quality – good thing GLA has a 107.4-inch wheelbase compared to the X1 at 106 inches.
• When comparing the AMG® GLA 35 and the X1 M35i, you will find that the BMW does not install any form of electrification on their engine. The hybrid assist system on the AMG® GLA 35 focuses on adding power while emitting fewer emissions into the air.

The Q3 is brand new for 2026 and boasts a sleeker design but continues to offer performance and luxury with room for up to five passengers. The Q3 is powered by a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which routes power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

• When it comes to honest performance, nothing matches the excitement of our AMG® GLA 35 4MATIC®. There is 302 horsepower of boosted and electrified hand-crafted performance that engages drivers and passengers alike. In contrast, the Q3 makes do with 255 horsepower.
• Cargo space is abundant in the GLA compared to the Q3. Behind the rear seats, the GLA offers 35.4 cubic feet while the Audi boasts only 29.0.
• Rear seat occupants will enjoy the leg room inside the GLA. It measures 38 inches compared to the Q3’s 36.1 inches.
• When it comes to fuel economy, the GLA does better. The EPA rates the GLA 250 4MATIC® at 25/ 33/ 28 MPG city/highway/combined. Meanwhile, the Q3 can only muster a 22/28/25 MPG rating.
• A longer wheelbase usually yields a smoother ride. This is why the GLA has a 107.4-inch wheelbase compared to the Q3 at 105.6 inches.

Volvo’s premium small SUV comes from a lineage of vehicles made for safety. With a choice of two 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, the XC40 also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The XC40 is offered in Core, Plus, or Ultra trim levels.

• When it comes to true performance, nothing matches the excitement of the AMG® GLA 35 4MATIC®. There is 302 horsepower of boosted and electrified hand-crafted performance that engages drivers and passengers alike. The XC40 B5 (AWD) models make do with 247 horsepower.
• Cargo space is abundant in the GLA compared to the XC40. Behind the rear seats, GLA offers 35.4 cubic feet of space compared to the Volvo’s 20.1 cubic feet.
  Rear seat occupants will enjoy the leg room inside the GLA. It measures 38 inches compared to the XC40’s 36.1.
• When it comes to fuel economy, the GLA does better. The EPA rates the GLA 250 4MATIC® at 25/ 33/ 28 MPG city/highway/combined. The XC40 B5 with  earns only a 23/30/26 MPG rating from the EPA, despite its mild hybrid technology.
• A longer wheelbase usually yields a smoother ride. This is why the GLA has a 107.4-inch wheelbase compared to the XC40 at 106.4 inches.

The UX is the smallest offering in the Lexus lineup, delivering the brand’s signature still luxury, technology, and design in a distilled package. The UX is only sold with a hybrid-electric drivetrain, which is rated at 196 net horsepower, though either front- or all-wheel drive is available. The UX is offered in several guises, including the UX 300, UX 300 Premium, UX 300 F Sport Design, and UX 300 F Sport Handling.

• While the UX’s continuously-variable transmission matches just fine with hybrid drivelines, it’s not ideal for every type of engine or, more importantly, every driver’s tastes. The GLA is equipped with an efficient eight-speed conventional automatic transmission, which has been engineered and precision-manufactured to deliver smooth shifts and maximized efficiency.
• The UX only has 196 horsepower to call upon at any given time. That might not be enough to keep up with the 221-horsepower turbocharged engine in the GLA 300 and GLA 300 4MATIC®.
• Regarding true performance, nothing matches the excitement of the AMG® GLA 35 4MATIC®. There is 302 horsepower of boosted and electrified hand-crafted performance that engages drivers and passengers alike. UX F Sport models may look sporty both inside and out, but still make do with only 196 horsepower.
• Cargo space is abundant in the GLA compared to the UX. The GLA provides 50.5 cubic feet of space should you fold the rear seats flat; do the same in the Lexus, and there’s only 40 cubic feet of space. Even with the rear seats upright, the GLA still bests the UX at 35.4 cubic feet vs. 17.4.
• Rear seat occupants will enjoy the leg room inside the GLA. It measures 38 inches compared to the UX’s 33.1 inches.