Mercedes-Benz GLA vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz GLA's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz GLA's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Pricing: A used 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA ranges from $39,999 to $52,225 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,946 to $39,417. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz GLA's price is between $43,500 and $61,755, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,000 and $40,812.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz GLA loses 42.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 0.8 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 7.1 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 6.3 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Tiguan an 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 Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Tiguan has an average safety rating of 4.65 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,500 - $61,755
Starting MSRP:
$41,850
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$40,572
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$25,600 - $49,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$30,000 - $40,812
Starting MSRP:
$28,880
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,806
Price Range:
$39,999 - $52,225
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$45,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,730 - $58,418
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,675
Price Range:
$28,946 - $39,417
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
11,518
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
869
# Good or Great Deals:
427
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,007
Depreciation %:
43%
Resale Value $:
$23,843
Residual Value %:
57%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
46.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
43% - 50.6%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,141
Depreciation %:
42%
Resale Value $:
$16,739
Residual Value %:
58%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.3 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.1 - 12.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.3 - 6.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 59Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
30 out of / 68Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
52 out of / 68Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 13Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
AMG GLA 35, GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.65 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
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
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
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:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39 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:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 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:
3732 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
186.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic
Gold
Rose Gold Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gold
Not available
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown / Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Storm Gray
Red
Not available
