2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 review

1. Impressive infotainment features

As a smart SUV from a prestige brand, it's unsurprising that the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 would include some of the best infotainment features out there. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is extremely simple and straightforward to use via the standard seven-inch touchscreen. There are various ways to navigate it – including trackpad, voice control, and thumb controllers on the steering wheel – and other features include Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ integration, Bluetooth^® connectivity, and four USB ports. The usability of the MBUX is one of this vehicle's absolute stand-out benefits.

2. Strong performance

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 – the Mercedes-Benz GLA's base model – features a turbo-four engine that achieves 221 hp. This is plenty for most drivers; it's a good amount of power for the size of the vehicle, and it feels stable on the road. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 manages zero to 60 with relative ease, taking 6.8 seconds (according to the manufacturer), and the journey there is a smooth one. For everyday use, the GLA 250 has everything you might need, whether for city or highway traveling.

3. Comfort as a priority

As one would expect from an SUV of this caliber, the comfort of the driver and passengers is a priority in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The cabin is plenty spacious and the combination of cleverly-designed doors and smart ride height make entry and exit of the vehicle easy. Leather upholstery is available across every trim of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA, as well as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wide range of adjustments for the driver's seat. No matter the journey, this vehicle prioritizes a pleasant ride.

4. Fully redesigned for 2021

The Mercedes-Benz GLA actually underwent a full redesign for 2021, including the 250 base model. The redesign includes the upgraded MBUX system and its voice-activated assistant (which is triggered with the phrase “Hey, Mercedes"), as well as increasing the ride height and shortening the body. Automatic parking became an option for 2021, as did a heads-up display, and some smart interior designs boosted the overall cargo volume with all seats folded from 43.6 cu-ft to 50.5 cu-ft. All of this makes the 2021 version far superior to its predecessors.

5. Plenty of space

For a subcompact, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is surprisingly spacious inside, even for adults in the back. The 2021 upgrade improved this, giving the vehicle 50.5 cu-ft of cargo space with all seats folded, which is generous for its class. Despite the seats sitting higher than in previous versions of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250, there's more headroom in the front. There are 40.8 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom for the front seats, 38.1 inches of headroom, and 38.4 inches of legroom in the back, ensuring comfort even for taller adults. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 certainly packs a punch when it comes to the long roster of benefits it has to offer.