Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Volkswagen T-Cross

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes' compact SUV on the MFA2 platform.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen’s compact urban SUV.

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-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	163 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,7 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	210 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	110,1 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	435 L	455 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,41 m	4,14 m
Width	1,83 m	1,76 m
Height	1,61 m	1,57 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W177, B-Class W247 and CLA C118)	MQB A0 (transverse, shared with the Polo/Taigo)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211/EA211 evo 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel
Transmission	7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual)	5/6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6d (all engines)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6d petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

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-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

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-Cross

High seating position and good visibility
Flexible sliding rear bench
Thrifty 1.0 TSI engines with low CO2

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-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

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-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.