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BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

2026 BMW X1 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X1

2026 BMW X1

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WD
VS0 – 5Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins 5 of 5 categories
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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Special Purpose Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 28 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $100 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The BMW X1 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 27).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW X1 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 177 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,827 lb (M35i Xdrive 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,869 lb (Amg 35 4matic 4dr SUV AWD).

Buying used? The 2022 X1 and the 2024 GLA-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 X1.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

28 MPG
Best combined MPG
29 MPG
25 city
City / highway MPG (best)
26 city
$2,950
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,850

Performance & space

312 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
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177.2 in
Length
173.6 in
72.8 in
Width
72 in
64.2 in
Height
62.6 in
3,827 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,671 lb

Safety & reliability

10
Driver-assist features standard
–
2
Recalls (2026)
0
27
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

12,177
Wikipedia views, 30 days
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Buying used

2022
Best used year
2024
2016
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW X1 if…

  • You want more room (4 in longer)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if…

  • You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 27 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW X1

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 BMW X1 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →