2025 Hyundai Tucson SE vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
$11,295 less and 9.1″ longer vs 3 MPG better and 34 more hp. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $11,295 price gap, 187 vs 221 hp, 26 vs 29 MPG.
The Tucson SE leads on $11,295 less, 9.1″ longer. The GLA GLA 250 leads on 3 MPG better, 34 more hp. 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 Tucson SE | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,205 | $41,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,572 lbs | 3,604 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 107.4" |
| Length | 182.7" | 173.6" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.2" |
| Height | 66.3" | 63.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 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 Tucson SE and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE starts at $30,205, $11,295 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at $41,500. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $199/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $11,295 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs; 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 $167/year less on fuel; the extra 34 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 rates 29 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 produces 221 hp, 34 more than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE at 187 hp. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 also leads in torque at 258 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE, FWD on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE is 9.1″ longer at 182.7″ vs 173.6″. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE has a 1.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Tucson–GLA Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Tucson and GLA compare. The $11,295 gap adds up to $199/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 Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 has 34 more hp (221 vs 187), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 adds 80 more lb-ft of torque (258 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson 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 $167/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $835.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE when you want to keep $11,295 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $167/year less on fuel. At $199/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.