Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | GLA 250 | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,500 | $34,995 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $7,995 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $42,338 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $53,175 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 174 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 32 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 221 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 50.5 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,604 lbs (best) | 3,741 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 in | 108.1 in (best) |
| Length | 173.6 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 72.2 in | 74 in (best) |
| Height | 63.5 in | 67.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mercedes-Benz GLA250 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GLA 250 $41,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | GLA 250 4MATIC $43,500 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Subaru Outback174 for sale
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Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Subaru Outback starts lower at $34,995. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $7,995.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (34,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).