2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a minivan or a compact SUV. Key numbers: 280 vs 221 hp, 22 vs 29 MPG.
The Odyssey EX-L leads on 59 more hp, 31.6″ longer. The GLA GLA 250 leads on $1,295 less, 7 MPG better. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 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 | 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,795 | $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 | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 19.5 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,526 lbs | 3,604 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.1" | 107.4" |
| Length | 205.2" | 173.6" |
| Width | 78.5" | 72.2" |
| Height | 69.6" | 63.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 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 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 starts at $41,500, $1,295 less than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L at $42,795. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $23/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is the stronger pick when the extra 59 hp matters for your commute or driving style; your priority is maximum passenger and cargo room; 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 $1,295 in your pocket and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $461/year less on fuel; your priority is passenger space and cargo flexibility.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 rates 29 combined MPG, 7 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L produces 280 hp, 59 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 at 221 hp. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L runs a 3.5L V6; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo.
Is the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L bigger than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is 31.6″ longer at 205.2″ vs 173.6″. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L has a 10.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (minivan vs compact SUV), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Can I cross-shop a minivan against a compact SUV?
Yes, and many buyers do. A minivan and a compact SUV solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
The Honda Odyssey 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 Odyssey trims, Mercedes-Benz trims, Mercedes-Benz GLA trims
- 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Odyssey–GLA Decision
Comparing a minivan to a compact SUV means asking what you actually need from your next vehicle. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L ($42,795) and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 ($41,500) answer that question differently. The $-1,295 gap is about $23/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L runs a 3.5L V6; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L has 59 more hp (280 vs 221). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. Both use FWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 saves roughly $461/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,305.
Living With the Odyssey vs the GLA
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is built to move the most people and cargo in the most space. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is 31.6″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L has a 10.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L weighs 922 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 2026 Honda Odyssey 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 $1,295 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.