2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE wins on $5,400 less, 56 more hp, 53 more lb-ft torque. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $5,400 price gap, 277 vs 221 hp, 23 vs 29 MPG.
The Santa Fe SE leads on $5,400 less, 56 more hp. The GLA GLA 250 leads on 6 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 Santa Fe SE | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,100 | $41,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,486 lbs | 3,604 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 107.4" |
| Length | 190.2" | 173.6" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 67.7" | 63.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | No published data |
| 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 Santa Fe SE and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $36,100, $5,400 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at $41,500. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $95/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,400 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs; the extra 56 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 $378/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 rates 29 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 56 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at 221 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE, FWD on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 16.6″ longer at 190.2″ vs 173.6″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 3.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Santa Fe–GLA Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Santa Fe and GLA compare. The $5,400 gap adds up to $95/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 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 56 more hp (277 vs 221). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 53 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 258), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 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.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 saves roughly $378/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,890.
Living With the Santa Fe vs the GLA
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 16.6″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE weighs 882 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when you want to keep $5,400 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $378/year less on fuel. At $95/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 Hyundai or Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.