2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35

$23,550 less and 8.6″ longer vs 127 more hp and 92 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $23,550 price gap, 175 vs 302 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Equinox ACTIV leads on $23,550 less, 8.6″ longer. The GLA AMG GLA 35 leads on 127 more hp, 92 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$23,550
Price Gap
127 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV
Starts at $35,000
VS
Higher price
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35
Starts at $58,550

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I4 Turbo
vs
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower
175 hp
vs
302 hp
Torque
203 lb-ft
vs
295 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
25 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,607 lbs
vs
3,869 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$35,000Equinox ACTIV
$58,550GLA AMG GLA 35
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboEquinox ACTIV
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid TurboGLA AMG GLA 35
Horsepower
175 hpEquinox ACTIV
302 hpGLA AMG GLA 35
Torque
203 lb-ftEquinox ACTIV
295 lb-ftGLA AMG GLA 35
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticEquinox ACTIV
8-speed automated manualGLA AMG GLA 35
City MPG
24Equinox ACTIV
22GLA AMG GLA 35
Highway MPG
29Equinox ACTIV
30GLA AMG GLA 35
Combined MPG
26Equinox ACTIV
25GLA AMG GLA 35
Fuel Tank
15.6 galEquinox ACTIV
13.5 galGLA AMG GLA 35
Curb Weight
3,607 lbsEquinox ACTIV
3,869 lbsGLA AMG GLA 35
Wheelbase
107.5"Equinox ACTIV
107.4"GLA AMG GLA 35
Length
183.2"Equinox ACTIV
174.6"GLA AMG GLA 35
Width
74.9"Equinox ACTIV
72.8"GLA AMG GLA 35
Height
65.6"Equinox ACTIV
62.5"GLA AMG GLA 35
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kEquinox ACTIV
4yr/50kGLA AMG GLA 35
Powertrain
5yr/60kEquinox ACTIV
4yr/50kGLA AMG GLA 35
Corrosion
6yr/100kEquinox ACTIV
4yr/50kGLA AMG GLA 35
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kEquinox ACTIV
4yr/50kGLA AMG GLA 35

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35
Pricing
MSRP$35,000$58,550
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower175 hp302 hp
Torque203 lb-ft295 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed automated manual
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2422
Highway MPG2930
Combined MPG2625
Fuel Tank15.6 gal13.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,607 lbs3,869 lbs
Wheelbase107.5"107.4"
Length183.2"174.6"
Width74.9"72.8"
Height65.6"62.5"
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion6yr/100k4yr/50k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k4yr/50k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV starts at $35,000, $23,550 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 at $58,550. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $415/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $23,550 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 is the stronger pick when the extra 127 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 produces 302 hp, 127 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV at 175 hp. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 also leads in torque at 295 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is 8.6″ longer at 183.2″ vs 174.6″. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV has a 0.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Chevrolet Equinox comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims

Official sources

The Equinox–GLA Decision

Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Equinox and GLA compare. The $23,550 gap adds up to $415/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 has 127 more hp (302 vs 175). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 adds 92 more lb-ft of torque (295 vs 203), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.

The Decision

Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV when you want to keep $23,550 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 when the extra 127 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $415/month more, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG GLA 35 needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.

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