Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 29 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $400 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations
2015–2027
Mitsubishi Outlander
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 88 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 34 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 306 g/mi | 97 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV | 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM8), Automatic (AM7) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium or E85 | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 43 | 88 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GLA-Class vs Outlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class or the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 29 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $400 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mitsubishi Outlander runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class — a difference of roughly $400 per year.
What engines do the GLA-Class and Outlander offer?
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV. Mitsubishi Outlander: 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the Mitsubishi Outlander as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More GLA-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-gla-class-vs-mitsubishi-outlander