DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Amg 35 4matic 4dr SUV AWD, Amg 45 4matic 4dr SUV AWD, Gla 250 4matic 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 173.6–174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,450–3,847 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 33% better than the average 2021 special purpose vehicle (21 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,704 lb (Amg 35 4matic 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 34 highway), 33% better than the 2021 special purpose vehicle average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions: 0.4 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 GLA-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amg 35 4matic 4dr SUV AWD | 174.4 in | 72 in | 62.6 in | 107.5 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,704 lb | 60/40 |
| Amg 45 4matic 4dr SUV AWD | 174.4 in | 72 in | 62.6 in | 107.5 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,847 lb | 60/40 |
| Gla 250 4matic 4dr SUV AWD | 173.6 in | 72 in | 63.4 in | 107.5 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,450 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA250 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +33% | $2,950 | 314 |
| GLA250 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +13% | $3,050 | 327 |
| AMG GLA35 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -19% | $3,300 | 353 |
| AMG GLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -26% | $3,550 | 392 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Similar 2021 special purpose vehicles
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Lexus NX | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Land Rover Evoque | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Volvo XC40 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2021 Jaguar I-Pace | 234 mi | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLA-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GLA-Class | 29 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLA-Class | 29 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLA-Class | 28 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLA-Class | 28 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLA-Class | 28 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 GLA-Class | 28 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 GLA-Class | 27 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 GLA-Class | 27 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 GLA-Class | 27 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 GLA-Class | 28 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 GLA-Class | 28 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →