Subaru Crosstrek vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

What's the difference?

VS
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek

$36,490 - $47,590

2026 price

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$29,999 - $76,868

2021 price

Summary

2026 Subaru Crosstrek
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Flat 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.2L/100km (combined)

7.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Small boot
  • Pricey servicing
  • Not particularly fuel efficient

  • Full suite of safety costs extra
  • Some quality lapses inside
  • Ride still unsettled even on optional adaptive dampers
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Summary

Among the many strange new car brands and names we're increasingly confronted with Subaru is an established and trusted beacon along with Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota. And Subaru’s Crosstrek SUV competes against rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross. 

So, what does the Crosstrek give you for your money and what’s different or better about the Crosstrek compared to those rivals? 

We tested the mid-grade Crosstrek 2.0S and rediscovered what this small SUV does so well and what could probably be improved.

@carsguide.com.au Three things the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek can do better than its rivals. #subaru #crosstrek #SUV #car #carsguide ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au
View full pricing & specs
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Summary

ONE of the great motoring successes of the past decade has been the Mercedes-Benz GLA, catapulting the brand to unparalleled prominence in the premium small SUV field and kicking off the posh little coupe-hatch crossover craze.

Cynics might say that it is essentially a jumped-up A-Class hatchback, much like the Subaru XV is basically an Impreza in stilettos. But while the small German crossover is built on the same MFA2 platform as its smaller transverse-engined Benz brethren, no body panels are shared, granting it a distinct look and personality. Unlike the little Suby…

The H247-series GLA launched in Australia in 2020 is second-generation, featuring a longer wheelbase and appreciably more space, but a shorter overall length than the popular original from 2013. It's also substantially taller.

Here we take a long, hard look at the bestselling GLA 250 4Matic.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Change vehicle