Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 vs Renault Captur MK1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Pick the GLA for a raised driving position, space and efficient engines in a compact premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLA 200 (petrol) or GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Captur

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Renault Captur
Power	163 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,7 s Winner	12,7 s
Top speed	210 km/h Winner	171 km/h
Power-to-weight	110,1 hp/t Winner	83,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Renault Captur
Boot	435 L Winner	377 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L Winner	1.235 L
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,41 m	4,12 m
Ground clearance	14,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Renault Captur
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)	B (modified)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLA

M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLA

435 L boot growing to ~1,430 L — roomy for a subcompact SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.8 L/100 km)
MFA2 platform with MBUX and optional 4MATIC
GLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly

Renault Captur

Flexible sliding rear bench
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLA

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
Dual-clutch gearbox needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Comfortable, easy and closer to a hatchback than an SUV to drive. The GLA rides smoothly, stays quiet at speed, and steers lightly and precisely with little feedback. The 2.0-litre M260 petrol is smooth and pulls strongly from low revs; the OM654 diesel is the one for high mileage, nearly inaudible on the motorway; the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. There is little here for keen drivers — the GLA puts comfort, quietness and the tech-heavy cabin ahead of any sporting pretension.

Renault Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.