VS
At a Glance
Power
221hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
258lb-ft @ 1800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Gla Class and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mercedes-Benz Gla Class delivers 221hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Gla Class returns 29 mpg est. while the Forester uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,500 for the Gla Class and $36,105 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mercedes-Benz Gla ClassGLA 250 4MATIC SUV 2026 - From $41,500
Subaru ForesterSport AWD 2026 - From $36,105
Performance
Power Output (hp)
221hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
258lb-ft @ 1800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33 (2025)mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.6in
183.3in
Width (in)
72.2in
72in
Height (in)
63.5in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.4in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3450lbs
3611lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Gla Class
Fuel Economy
Gla Class
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Gla Class
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($36,105)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Gla Class or Forester?
The Gla Class gets 29 mpg est. and the Forester gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Gla Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Gla Class or Forester?
The Gla Class produces 221hp @ 5500 and 258lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Gla Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Gla Class and Forester?
The Gla Class starts from $41,500 and the Forester from $36,105. The Forester is cheaper by $5,395 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Gla Class or Forester?
The Gla Class has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Gla Class or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.