2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250

$10,900 less and 9.6″ longer vs 3 MPG better and 46 more hp. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $10,900 price gap, 175 vs 221 hp, 26 vs 29 MPG.

The short answer

The Equinox LT leads on $10,900 less, 9.6″ longer. The GLA GLA 250 leads on 3 MPG better, 46 more hp. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

$10,900
Price Gap
46 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT
Starts at $30,600
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
175 hp
vs
221 hp
Torque
203 lb-ft
vs
258 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
vs
FWD
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
29 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$30,600Equinox LT
$41,500GLA GLA 250
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboEquinox LT
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid TurboGLA GLA 250
Horsepower
175 hpEquinox LT
221 hpGLA GLA 250
Torque
203 lb-ftEquinox LT
258 lb-ftGLA GLA 250
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticEquinox LT
8-speed automated manualGLA GLA 250
Drivetrain
AWDEquinox LT
FWDGLA GLA 250
City MPG
25Equinox LT
26GLA GLA 250
Highway MPG
29Equinox LT
34GLA GLA 250
Combined MPG
26Equinox LT
29GLA GLA 250
Fuel Tank
15.6 galEquinox LT
13.5 galGLA GLA 250
Curb Weight
3,583 lbsEquinox LT
3,604 lbsGLA GLA 250
Wheelbase
107.5"Equinox LT
107.4"GLA GLA 250
Length
183.2"Equinox LT
173.6"GLA GLA 250
Width
74.9"Equinox LT
72.2"GLA GLA 250
Height
65.6"Equinox LT
63.5"GLA GLA 250
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kEquinox LT
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250
Powertrain
5yr/60kEquinox LT
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250
Corrosion
6yr/100kEquinox LT
4yr/50kGLA GLA 250
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kEquinox LT
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.

Spec2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
Pricing
MSRP$30,600$41,500
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower175 hp221 hp
Torque203 lb-ft258 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed automated manual
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2526
Highway MPG2934
Combined MPG2629
Fuel Tank15.6 gal13.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,583 lbs3,604 lbs
Wheelbase107.5"107.4"
Length183.2"173.6"
Width74.9"72.2"
Height65.6"63.5"
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion6yr/100k4yr/50k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k4yr/50k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT starts at $30,600, $10,900 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at $41,500. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $192/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT is the stronger pick when you want to keep $10,900 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 46 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 produces 221 hp, 46 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT at 175 hp. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 also leads in torque at 258 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT, FWD on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT is 9.6″ longer at 183.2″ vs 173.6″. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT has a 0.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 Chevrolet Equinox 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: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims

Official sources

How the Equinox and GLA Stack Up

Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT ($30,600) and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 ($41,500) solve similar problems in different ways. The $10,900 gap adds up to $192/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Equinox vs GLA

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 46 more hp (221 vs 175), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 adds 55 more lb-ft of torque (258 vs 203), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 $167/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $835.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT when you want to keep $10,900 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 $192/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 Chevrolet or Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.

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