The 2026 Mercedes GLA 250 leads among compact luxury SUVs in fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 29 mpg. This performance is particularly notable as it excludes plug-in hybrids, focusing solely on gasoline efficiency. The front-wheel-drive variant offers a combined rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on highways.
Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the GLA delivers 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. It also features a unique 48-volt mild hybrid system, setting it apart from its competitors.
Other luxury SUVs from Germany, such as the 2026 Audi Q3 and 2026 BMW X1, come standard with all-wheel drive, which may affect their fuel efficiency ratings. While the Q3 awaits EPA ratings, it is expected that it will not match the GLA's efficiency due to its standard Quattro AWD system.