2025 Hyundai Palisade SE vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE wins on $2,300 less, 70 more hp, 23.1″ longer. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $2,300 price gap, 291 vs 221 hp, 21 vs 29 MPG.
The Palisade SE leads on $2,300 less, 70 more hp. The GLA GLA 250 leads on 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 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,200 | $41,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-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 | 18.8 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,356 lbs | 3,604 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 107.4" |
| Length | 196.7" | 173.6" |
| Width | 77.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 68.9" | 63.5" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE starts at $39,200, $2,300 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at $41,500. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $41/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,300 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs; the extra 70 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
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 $552/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE 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 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE produces 291 hp, 70 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at 221 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE, FWD on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE is 23.1″ longer at 196.7″ vs 173.6″. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE has a 6.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE 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 Hyundai Palisade comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k 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: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Palisade trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims
- 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
How the Palisade and GLA Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE ($39,200) and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 ($41,500) solve similar problems in different ways. The $2,300 gap is about $41/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: Palisade vs GLA
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE has 70 more hp (291 vs 221). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE 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.
What It Actually Costs to Own
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. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 costs more upfront but recovers some of that gap through lower running costs. At $552/year in savings, it takes about 4.2 years to close the $2,300 sticker difference.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE is 23.1″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE has a 6.8″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE weighs 752 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE when you want to keep $2,300 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $552/year less on fuel. At $41/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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 Hyundai or Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.