Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Tiguan (AD1), on the MQB 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 Tiguan

Pick the Tiguan for a roomy, practical family SUV with strong towing and a wide engine range.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	163 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	250 Nm	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,7 s Winner	9,2 s
Top speed	210 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	110,1 hp/t Winner	102,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	139 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km Winner	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	435 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,41 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	14,3 cm	19,0 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m Winner	11,5 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MQB (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 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d-TEMP
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 Tiguan

Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
Haldex 4MOTION service (fluid/clutch)
Software/infotainment glitches pre-facelift

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 Tiguan

Very roomy boot (615–1,655 l) with sliding rear bench
Allspace variant with 7 seats (option)
Towing up to 2,500 kg on 4MOTION diesels

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 Tiguan

Pre-facelift interior looks more dated
1.4 TSI (early) less smooth than the later 1.5 TSI

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 Tiguan

Comfortable, easy to drive and predictably competent. The Tiguan II rides with good isolation over broken surfaces, stays quiet at a cruise, and steers lightly and accurately without much feedback. Front-drive versions are easy and economical; 4MOTION adds useful traction in poor weather and on loose surfaces. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the 2.0 TSI is brisk if unremarkable. The DSG is smooth in traffic. Body control is fine for a family SUV, but the Tiguan is set up for comfort and space, not cornering entertainment.