Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Overview
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | GLA 250 | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,750 | $38,300 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $18,799 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $18,799 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $18,799 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 23 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | 18.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 269 hp (best) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | — | 77.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,102 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,604 lbs (best) | 4,165 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 174 in | 195.6 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 64 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLA250GLA 250 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
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 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GLA 250 $41,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $38,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | SE $40,200 MSRP |
| 3 | — | SE w/Technology $42,720 MSRP |
| 4 | — | SE w/Technology $44,620 MSRP |
| 5 | — | SEL $48,610 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SEL R-Line Black $50,560 MSRP |
| 7 | — | SEL Premium R-Line $53,620 MSRP |
Live inventory
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport1 for sale
See all
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts lower at $38,300. Live Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport listings start at $18,799.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,300).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leads on horsepower in this comparison (269).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (5/5 NHTSA overall).