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.
When we compare the Mercedes-Benz GLA's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and 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, resale value and interior volume. 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA ranges from $47,130 to $52,398 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,038 to $42,186. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz GLA's price is between $43,420 and $54,540, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,884 and $42,730.
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 Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 0.4 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 Tiguan's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 3 out of 12 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 12 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 7.8 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz GLA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
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 201 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz GLA, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Tiguan has an average safety rating of 4.45 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
43420 - 54540
Starting MSRP:
41500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
40750
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
26100 - 49900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30884 - 42730
Starting MSRP:
30245
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50037
Price Range:
47130 - 52398
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
45657
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
29166 - 57767
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35325
Price Range:
28038 - 42186
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20234
Depreciation %:
0.4875725
Resale Value $:
21266
Residual Value %:
0.5124275
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.4977078
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.45978416 - 0.54197624
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14582
Depreciation %:
0.48211785
Resale Value $:
15663
Residual Value %:
0.5178821499999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.064
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.02
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0725529922117
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 70Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 62Ranking
11 out of / 70Ranking
16 out of / 70Ranking
21 out of / 70Ranking
25 out of / 70Ranking
38 out of / 70Ranking
42 out of / 70Ranking
44 out of / 70Ranking
54 out of / 70Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 54Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 33Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
42 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Ranking
57 out of / 66Ranking
64 out of / 66Available 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
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):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
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
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:
201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
207 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 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):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
377 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
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
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
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:
114.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
26.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.3 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:
3563 lbs
Width:
84.7 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.6 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
Tire Size:
215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Polar White
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
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 / Bahia Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Sage Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Grigio Gray/Titan Black
Red
Not available
