VS
At a Glance
Power
221hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
258lb-ft @ 1800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121cc
2.5 L/152cc
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. Pricing starts at $41,500 for the Gla Class and $38,385 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
221hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
258lb-ft @ 1800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26 (2025)mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (2025)mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.6in
182.9in
Width (in)
72.2in
72.4in
Height (in)
63.5in
69.3in
Wheelbase (in)
107.4in
104.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3494lbs
3675lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
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
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Gla Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($38,385)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
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. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Gla Class and Forester?
The Gla Class starts from $41,500 and the Forester from $38,385. The Forester is cheaper by $3,115 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 3500lbs. 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.