2025 Honda CR-V EX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250

$7,650 less and 11.2″ longer vs 31 more hp and 79 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $7,650 price gap, 190 vs 221 hp, 28 vs 29 MPG.

The short answer

The CR-V EX leads on $7,650 less, 11.2″ longer. The GLA GLA 250 leads on 31 more hp, 79 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

$7,650
Price Gap
31 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Honda CR-V EX
Starts at $33,850
VS
Higher price
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
Starts at $41,500

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I4 Turbo
vs
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower
190 hp
vs
221 hp
Torque
179 lb-ft
vs
258 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
vs
FWD
Fuel Economy
28 MPG combined
vs
29 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$33,850CR-V EX
$41,500GLA GLA 250
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboCR-V EX
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid TurboGLA GLA 250
Horsepower
190 hpCR-V EX
221 hpGLA GLA 250
Torque
179 lb-ftCR-V EX
258 lb-ftGLA GLA 250
Transmission
continuously variable-speed automaticCR-V EX
8-speed automated manualGLA GLA 250
Drivetrain
AWDCR-V EX
FWDGLA GLA 250
Highway MPG
31CR-V EX
34GLA GLA 250
Combined MPG
28CR-V EX
29GLA GLA 250
Fuel Tank
14.0 galCR-V EX
13.5 galGLA GLA 250
Curb Weight
3,616 lbsCR-V EX
3,604 lbsGLA GLA 250
Wheelbase
106.3"CR-V EX
107.4"GLA GLA 250
Length
184.8"CR-V EX
173.6"GLA GLA 250
Width
73.5"CR-V EX
72.2"GLA GLA 250
Height
66.5"CR-V EX
63.5"GLA GLA 250
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kCR-V EX
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250
Powertrain
5yr/60kCR-V EX
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedCR-V EX
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250
Roadside Assistance
3yr/36kCR-V EX
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250

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 Honda CR-V EX2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
Pricing
MSRP$33,850$41,500
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower190 hp221 hp
Torque179 lb-ft258 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic8-speed automated manual
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2626
Highway MPG3134
Combined MPG2829
Fuel Tank14.0 gal13.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,550/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,616 lbs3,604 lbs
Wheelbase106.3"107.4"
Length184.8"173.6"
Width73.5"72.2"
Height66.5"63.5"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 starsNo published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited4yr/50k
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k4yr/50k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Honda CR-V EX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX starts at $33,850, $7,650 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at $41,500. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $135/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $7,650 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Who should choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $52/year less on fuel; the extra 31 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Honda CR-V EX or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 rates 29 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Honda CR-V EX or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 produces 221 hp, 31 more than the 2025 Honda CR-V EX at 190 hp. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 also leads in torque at 258 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda CR-V EX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Honda CR-V EX, FWD on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250.

Is the 2025 Honda CR-V EX bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is 11.2″ longer at 184.8″ vs 173.6″. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 has a 1.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2025 Honda CR-V EX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2025 Honda CR-V EX comes with AWD, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

The Honda CR-V 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: Honda trims, Honda CR-V trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims

Official sources

CR-V vs GLA: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $7,650 gap adds up to $135/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Under the Hood

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 has 31 more hp (221 vs 190), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 adds 79 more lb-ft of torque (258 vs 179), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Honda CR-V EX comes with AWD; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

Running Costs: CR-V vs GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 saves roughly $52/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $260.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is 11.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2025 Honda CR-V EX when you want to keep $7,650 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $52/year less on fuel. At $135/month more, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 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 Honda or Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.

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