Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 vs Renault Koleos KOL

Mercedes-Benz GLA
H247 · 2020 – 2026
The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Pick the GLA for a raised driving position, space and efficient engines in a compact premium SUV.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Performance
M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
163 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
|
340 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,7 s
Winner
|
11,8 s
|
| Top speed |
210 km/h
Winner
|
194 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
110,1 hp/t
Winner
|
92,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
128 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
435 L
|
458 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.430 L
|
1.690 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,73 m
Winner
|
2,71 m
|
| Length |
4,41 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
11,4 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | Renault Koleos | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-DCT | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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)
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
Pros
- 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
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
Cons
- 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
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
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 Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Belgian taxes & LEZ