Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 109 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a 80 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Chevrolet Equinox leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations
2015–2027
Chevrolet Equinox
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 29 mpg | 109 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg | 117 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 34 mpg | 100 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 | $700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 306 g/mi ✓ | 310 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV | SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM8), Automatic (AM7) | Automatic (A1), Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium or E85 | Electricity, Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 43 | 57 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GLA-Class vs Equinox: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class or the Chevrolet Equinox?
The Chevrolet Equinox is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 109 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a 80 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Chevrolet Equinox runs about $700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class — a difference of roughly $1,900 per year.
What engines do the GLA-Class and Equinox offer?
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV. Chevrolet Equinox: SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the Chevrolet Equinox as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More GLA-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-gla-class-vs-chevrolet-equinox