2025 Honda Passport EX-L vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
59 more hp and 15.5″ longer vs $900 less and 8 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 280 vs 221 hp, 21 vs 29 MPG.
The Passport EX-L leads on 59 more hp, 15.5″ longer. The GLA GLA 250 leads on $900 less, 8 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2025 Honda Passport EX-L | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,400 | $41,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 19.5 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,236 lbs | 3,604 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 107.4" |
| Length | 189.1" | 173.6" |
| Width | 78.6" | 72.2" |
| Height | 72.2" | 63.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 starts at $41,500, $900 less than the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L at $42,400. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $16/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L?
The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L is the stronger pick when the extra 59 hp matters for your commute or driving style; 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 you want to keep $900 in your pocket and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $552/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 rates 29 combined MPG, 8 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L produces 280 hp, 59 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at 221 hp. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L runs a 3.5L V6; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L, FWD on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250.
Is the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L is 15.5″ longer at 189.1″ vs 173.6″. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L has a 3.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L 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 Passport 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 Passport trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims
- 2025 Honda Passport EX-L Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
Passport vs GLA: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 sit in the midsize SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $-900 gap is about $16/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L runs a 3.5L V6; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L has 59 more hp (280 vs 221). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L 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: Passport vs GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 saves roughly $552/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,760.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L is 15.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Honda Passport EX-L weighs 632 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2025 Honda Passport EX-L when the extra 59 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 when you want to keep $900 in your pocket and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 covers your needs.
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.