Mercedes-Benz GLA vs. Volkswagen Golf
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volkswagen Golf contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Volkswagen Golf.
When comparing the Mercedes-Benz GLA's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz GLA's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Pricing: A used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA ranges from $21,000 to $34,520 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $14,517 to $22,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz GLA loses 48.2 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 41.7 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 6.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 7.9 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 3 out of 12 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 5 out of 29 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 7.8 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s base engine makes 221 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The GLA is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The GLA uses premium unleaded, and the Golf uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz GLA, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volkswagen Golf are comparable in regards to front shoulder room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
36230
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
34220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
23200 - 43300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
21197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15295 - 28695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
27217
Price Range:
21000 - 34520
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
25140
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
17888 - 29298
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18641
Price Range:
14517 - 22997
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
19841
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11819 - 28783
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
31
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67674
# Good or Great Deals:
15
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
9.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
6.7 - 9.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.064
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
4.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.133
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.120414418488812
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.9 - 5.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9188929339555512
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.1 - 12.4
Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 60Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
24 out of / 68Ranking
37 out of / 68Ranking
42 out of / 68Ranking
46 out of / 68Ranking
54 out of / 68Volkswagen Golf Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
AMG GLA 35, AMG GLA 45, GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
318 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
34.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
50.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
114.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
17.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3384 lbs
Width:
79.5 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Length:
173.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2945 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
167.6 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown
Gray
Neva Grey/Black / Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
