Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 vs Volkswagen T-Roc A11

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

Volkswagen T-Roc

A11 · 2017 – 2025

The first-generation T-Roc (A11), on the MQB A1 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…

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pick the T-Roc for a bold crossover look with an elevated seat and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen T-Roc
Power	163 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	250 Nm	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,7 s	8,5 s Winner
Top speed	210 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	110,1 hp/t	118,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen T-Roc
Boot	435 L	445 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L Winner	1.290 L
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,59 m
Length	4,41 m	4,23 m
Ground clearance	14,3 cm	16,1 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen T-Roc
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MQB A1 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
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)

Volkswagen T-Roc

Electronic parking-brake and software recalls (pre-facelift)
Infotainment glitches on early cars
Cabriolet: roof mechanism/water ingress at high mileage

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

Volkswagen T-Roc

Customisable design with optional contrasting roof
Facelift (2022) brought modernised lights and interior
Strong driver-assistance suite (IQ.DRIVE)

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

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pre-facelift interior (2017–2021) looks simpler
Cabriolet: smaller boot and higher weight

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.

Volkswagen T-Roc

Easy, comfortable and a little more involving than most crossovers. The T-Roc steers accurately with decent weighting, rides well enough, and handles tidily for a car of its height, with the 2.0 TSI R version adding genuine pace. Front-drive is the default; 4MOTION adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the distance choice, and the 1.0 TSI is adequate for town work. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light. It is a well-rounded compact crossover that feels closer to a Golf than its tall body suggests.